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WiBSTCR.N.Y.  145«0 

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CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
mi 


Canadian  Inatituta  for  Hittor'cal  Microraproductions  /  Inatitut  Canadian  da  microraproductions  liiatoriquas 


Tachnical  and  Bibliographic  Notas/Notas  tachniquas  at  bibiiographiquaa 


Tha 
tot 


Tha  Instituta  haa  attamptad  to  obtain  tha  baat 
original  copy  availabia  for  filming.  Paaturaa  of  thia 
copy  which  may  ba  bibliographically  unlqua. 
which  may  altar  any  of  tha  imagaa  in  tha 
raproduction.  or  which  may  significantly  changa 
tha  usual  mathod  of  filming,  ara  chaekad  balow. 


n 


D 


n 


n 


D 


Colourad  covars/ 
Couvartura  da  coulaur 


I     I   Covars  damagad/ 


Couvartura  andommag^a 

Covars  rastorad  and/or  laminatad/ 
Couvartura  rastaurAa  at/ou  palliculAa 


I      I   Covar  titia  missing/ 


D 


La  titra  da  couvartura  manqua 


I      I   Colourad  maps/ 


Cartas  gAographiquas  an  coulaur 

Colourad  ink  (i.a.  othar  than  biua  or  black)/ 
Encra  da  coulaur  (i.a.  autra  qua  blaua  ou  noira) 


I     I   Colourad  platas  and/or  illustrations/ 


Planchas  at/ou  illustrations  an  coulaur 

Bound  with  othar  matarial/ 
RaliA  avac  d'autras  documants 

Tight  binding  may  causa  shadows  or  distortion 
along  intarior  margin/ 

La  re  liura  sarrie  paut  causar  da  I'ombra  ou  da  la 
distortion  la  long  da  la  marga  intiriaura 

Blank  laavas  addad  during  rastoration  may 
appaar  within  tha  taxt.  Whanavar  possibia,  thasa 
hava  baan  omittad  from  filming/ 
II  sa  paut  qua  cartainas  pagas  bianchas  ajouttes 
lors  d'una  rastauration  apparaissant  dans  la  taxta, 
mais,  lorsqua  cala  Atait  possibia.  cas  pagas  n'ont 
pas  (§tA  filmias. 

Additional  comments:/ 
Commantaires  supplAmentaires; 


L'Inatitut  a  microfilm*  la  mallleur  exemplaira 
qu'il  lui  a  At*  possibia  da  sa  procurer.  Les  ditails 
da  eat  exemplaira  qui  sont  paut-Atra  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographiqua,  qui  pauvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite.  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  mithoda  normala  de  f ilmaga 
sont  indiqute  ci-dassous. 


r~~1   Colourad  pages/ 


D 


Pagas  da  coulaur 

Pages  damaged/ 
Pagas  andommagtes 

Pages  restored  and/oi 

Pagas  rastaurtas  at/ou  palliculAes 

Pagas  discoloured,  stained  or  foxe< 
Pages  dtcoldries,  tachetAes  ou  piquAes 


r~|   Pages  damaged/ 

I — I    Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 

r~7    Pagas  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 


The 

poti 
oft 
film 


Orif 
bag 

tha 

SiOf 

oth 
firt 
sioi 
ori 


□   Pagas  detached/ 
Pages  dAtachAas 

0Showthrough/ 
Transparence 


Tha 
aha 
TIN 


Transparence 

Quality  of  prir 

QuaiitA  inigale  de  I'impression 

Includes  supplementary  materii 
Comprend  du  materiel  supplAmantaira 

Only  edition  available/ 
Saule  Mition  disporibie 


I     I   Quality  of  print  varies/ 

I     I    Includes  supplementary  material/ 

I — I    Only  edition  available/ 


Mai 
dlff( 
anti 
bag 

righ 
raqi 
mat 


Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  ref limed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Las  pages  totalament  ou  partiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata.  une  pelure, 
etc.,  ont  AtA  filmAes  A  nouveau  de  faqon  A 
obtenir  la  meilleure  imaga  possible. 


This  item  is  filmed  at  tha  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  filmA  au  taux  de  rAduction  indiquA  ci-dessous. 


10X 

14X 

18X 

22X 

26X 

30X 

i 

12X 

16X 

20X 

24X 

28X 

32X 

Th«  eopy  fHin«d  Imk*  Hm  bMn  i«produe«d  thanks 
to  th«  gMMroaHy  of: 

Univtriitv  of  BritM)  ColHmMa  Library 


L'oxomploiro  fHm4  f ut  roproduK  grieo  A  It 
B4n4rotM  do: 

Univtriity  of  Britiih  Columbia  Library 


Tho  U.^ogoi  appooring  horo  aro  tho  boat  quality 
poi^alblo  conaMaring  tha  condition  and  laglbillty 
of  tha  original  copy  and  In  keeping  with  tha 
filming  contract  •paciflcatiop«. 


Original  copiaa  In  printad  papar  covara  ara  fllma<^ 
baginnlng  with  tha  front  cover  and  anding  on 
tha  kwt  paga  with  a  printad  or  illustratad  impraa- 
ston,  or  tha  back  eovar  whan  appropriate.  All 
othar  original  copiaa  ara  f  ilmad  beginning  on  tha 
first  paga  with  a  printad  or  Hluatratad  impras- 
sion.  and  anding  on  tha  last  paga  with  a  printad 
or  Hluatratad  Imprassion. 


Tha  last  raoordad  frama  on  aach  microfiche 
shall  contain  tha  symbol  — ^  (moaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  tha  symbol  y  (moaning  "END"), 
wMchavar  applies. 

Maps,  plates,  cherts,  etc.,  mey  be  filmed  et 
different  reduction  retios.  Those  too  ierge  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  ere  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hend  corner,  left  to 
right  end  top  to  bottom,  es  many  frames  as 
required.  This  following  diegrems  iliustrste  the 
method: 


Lea  Imatiae  auivantea  ont  4tA  reprodultes  avac  la 
plua  grand  aoin.  compta  tenu  de  le  condition  et 
do  la  nattetA  de  I'exomplaira  fiimA,  et  en 
conformit*  evec  lea  conditions  du  contret  de 
fllmaga. 

Lee  exemplaires  origineux  dont  le  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprimis  sont  filmte  en  commenpent 
par  la  premier  piet  et  en  terminent  soit  per  le 
dernlAre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'Impression  ou  d'illustretion,  soit  per  le  second 
plat,  salon  le  ces.  Tous  les  eutres  exempieires 
origineux  sont  fllmte  en  commenpent  per  ie 
promlAre  pege  qui  comporte  una  empreinte 
d'Impression  ou  d'illustretion  et  en  terminent  per 
le  dernlAre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  des  symboiss  suivents  spparattra  sur  la 
dernlAre  imege  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
ces:  ie  symbols  -i»>  signifie  "A  SUIVRE".  le 
symbols  ▼  signifie  "FIN". 

Les  certes.  plenches.  tebleeux,  etc..  peuvent  Atre 
filmAs  i  des  teux  de  rMuctlon  diffirents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grsnd  pour  Atre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  ciich*.  ii  est  film*  A  pertir 
de  I'engie  supArieur  geuche.  de  geuche  A  droite, 
et  de  heut  en  bas.  en  prenent  le  nombre 
d'images  nAcessaira.  Les  diogremmes  suivents 
illustrent  le  mithode. 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

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4 


THE 


.    t 


LIFE  OF  REV.  JOHN  CLAEI. 


By  Rev.  B.  M.  HALL. 


WITH  AN  INTRODUCTION, 

By  bishop  morris. 


■^•♦•^^ 


PUBLISHED  BY  CARLTON  &  PORTER, 

900  ailTZiBBBBT-STBBKT. 
1856. 


^1 


i 


1 


Entered  aooording  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  yeur  18M,  by 

CARLTON  &  PORTER, 

in  the  Clerk's  Offlce  of  the  District  Court  of  the  Southern  District  of  New-Yorli. 


PEEEACE. 


>  4«»  « 


{ 


In  the  autumn  of  1854,  an  association  of  minis- 
ters, assembled  from  the  cities  of  Albany  and 
Troy,  and  the  villages  adjacent,  adopted  a 
resolution,  requesting  me  to  "prepare  a  biog- 
raphy of  our  esteemed  brother,  the  late  Key. 
John  Clark,"  and  publish  it  in  such  form  as 
I  should  judge  proper. 

In  compliance  with  this  request,  I  imme- 
diately wrote  to  the  widow  of  Mr.  Clark, 
informing  her  of  the  action  of  the  association, 
and  asking  for  the  loan  of  such  papera  as  were 
in  her  possession,  and  which  would  aid  me  in 
the  undertaking.  To  this  request  Mrs.  Clark 
cheerfully  and  promptly  responded;  and,  in 
concert  with  her  son,  John  Emory  Clark,  she 
has  given  me  all  the  aid  in  her  power. 

I  also  published  a  card  in  the  Christian 
Advocate  and  Journal,  soliciting  the  use  of 


^t^^^^snr. 


PKEFACE. 


letters,  c&c.,  from  the  friendB  of  Mr.  Clark, 
who  might  have  such  in  possession;  and  also 
asking  for  facts  and  incidents  relating  to  his 
lifa  and  character.  This  public  call  secured 
two  responses  in  the  course  of  six  months! 
I  then  saw  that  the  idea  of  preparing  a  biog- 
raphy must  be  abandoned,  or  some  other 
course  must  be  taken  to  secure  the  necessary 
material. 

I  then  commenced  a  personal  correspond- 
ence with  many  friends  in  the  regions  of  Mr. 
Clark's  life  and  labors,  and  by  this  means  was 
enabled  to  obtain  considerable  aid.  Although 
I  have  been  delayed  in  the  work  while  waiting 
for  answers  from  those  whom  I  have  consulted, 
yet,  by  patient  endurance,  I  have  succeeded 
beyond  my  early  hope  in  securing  the  desired 
information.  And  to  all  who  have  rendered 
aid  I  here  express  my  gratitude  and  acknowl- 
edge my  obligations.  I  need  not  record  their 
names.  Mr.  Clark's  papers  were  few,  and  most 
of  them  were  nearly  destroyed  by  bilge-water 
on  their  way  by  water  from  Illinois  to  Texas. 
Indeed,  they  are,  to  a  great  extent,  illegible, 
while  some  portions  of  the  paper  itself  is 
literally  destroyed.    Those  injured  sheets  con- 


'J 


PBBPACE. 


tain  his  jonmal,  kept  during  his  connection 
with  the  Indian  missions,  and,  bnt  for  the 
aid  derived  from  his  printed  communications 
to  the  Board,  the  journal  would  have  been" 
unintelligible.  During  his  long  journey  to 
Texas  he  kept  a  diary,  the  most  of  which 
is  inserted  in  this  work.  He  had  also,  at 
the  request  of  his  family,  a  little  before  his 
death,  commenced  a  brief  sketch  of  his  Kfe, 
intending  to  re-write  his  journal,  as  well  as 
record  the  prominent  incidents  in  his  life,  of 
which  no  record  had  been  made.  But  his 
sketch  is  only  an  account  of  the  time  and 
place  of  his  birth,  an  allusion  to  the  condition 
of  his  father's  family,  his  own  apprenticeship, 
and  his  conversion.  The  whole  covers  but 
seven  pages  of  foolscap,  yet  this  is  a  most 
important  portion  of  his  writings,  for  it  sup- 
plies that  which  no  other  hand  could  furnish. 
Had  he  kept  a  full  and  regular  journal, 
who  can  doubt  but  a  Life  could  have  been 
presented  to  the  public  of  unusual  interest? 
His  long  and  varied  labors,  both  in  the  chill- 
ing regions  of  Lake  Superior,  and  on  the  sunny 
plains  of  Texas,  as  well  as  his  circuit,  and 
station,  and  district  work,  must  baye  afforded 


5£^iJir£M)irKu>lifr.. 


6 


pbefaot:. 


enough  of  incident  to  enrich  his  biography 
beyond  most  works  of  the  kind.  But  regrets 
are  vain,  though  so  much  must  remain  un- 
wj'itten. 

It  is  hoped,  however,  that  what  is  written 
may  prove  useful,  and  that  the  reader  will 
find  not  only  a  little  entertainment  for  a  pass- 
ing hour,  but  also  some  profit  to  the  mind 
and  heart.  To  the  young  minister  who  is 
struggling  with  poverty,  and  lamenting  his 
lack  of  the  aids  which  science  and  literature, 
as  taught  in  the  schools,  might  furnish,  here 
is  presented  an  example  which  may  both 
stimi  and  cheer  him  in  his  "pursuit  of 
knowleage  under  difficulties." 

With  trembling  hope,  this  book  is  offered 
to  the  public. 

TbE  AuTHOIi. 


t 


INTRODUCTION. 


>  4>>  » 


To  trace  the  histOiy  of  any  prominent  individual  from 
infancy  to  hoary  ^ge,  through  all  the  stages  of  human 
life,  has  ever  been  a  matter  of  intense  interest.  The 
incidents  of  childhood,  youth,  manhood,  and  declin- 
ing years,  are  all  full  of  instruction  to  us  who  are 
following  on  in  life's  pilgrimage.  The  future  of  our 
own  life's  history  is  all  vailed  in  total  mystery,  only 
as  we  may  infer  it  from  that  of  those  who  have  pre- 
ceded us.  We  naturally  wish  to  know  what  befell 
those  who  preceded  us  on  the  journey  which  we  are 
now  prosecuting;  what  plans  were  resorted  to  by 
them  to  accomplish  the  end  of  human  happiness, 
with  their  successes  and  failures,  and  what  led  to  the 
one  or  the  other,  that  we  may  choose  the  good  and 
refuse  the  evil.  It  is  a  practical  question,  one  of 
personal  application  and  utility.  What  wise  man 
would  encounter  a  long  journey  through  an  extensive 
wilderness,  and  take  all  risk  of  losing  his  way,  with- 
out first  obtaining  suitable  directions  ?  and  to  whom 
should  he  apply  for  infoirmation,  but  to  such  as  ha4 


9H«S 


BR* 


8 


INTRODUCTION. 


learned  the  way  by  oxperionco  and  obeorvatioii? 
And  ehall  wo  run  at  random  on  the  journey  of 
liutnan  life,  ignorant  of  the  way  before  us?  or  bIioII 
we  consult  the  way-notes  of  thoeo  who  I'ave  pre- 
ceded us  ?    Tlien  let  us  read  and  study  biography. 

Ohristian  biography  is  as  much  more  important 
than  that  of  irreligious  people,  as  the  intorestH  of 
eternity  are  greater  than  those  of  time.  In  this  1>riof 
state  of  probation  alone  we  may  prepare  for  the 
felicity  which  awaits  the  faithful  in  the  coming  life. 
And  wliile  we  are  to  regard  the  Bible  as  our  consti- 
tutional directory,  and  Christ  as  our  only  hope,  it 
becomes  us  to  understand  how  others,  going  before 
us,  learned  to  practice  the  former,  and  embrace  and 
trust  in  the  latter  m  ^o  final  salvation.  How  suitable 
and  profitable  it  is  for  us  to  ascertain  correctly  how 
the  excellent  of  the  earth  found  the  way  of  life  in 
Ohrist,  followed  it  to  the  end,  and  obtained  the  in- 
heritance of  the  saints  in  light ;  and  then  endeavor 
to  imitate  their  example,  that  we  may  share  in  the 
promised  reward  above.  Then  let  us  avail  ourselves 
of  Ohristian  biography,  both  sacred  and  inspired,  as 
a  valuable  mod*^  of  instruction. 

Again,  each  individual  is  specially  interested  in 
knowing  how  any  of  his  own  craft  have  gained  a 
position  of  prominence  and  success,  that  he  may  go 
and  do  likewise.  Farmers,  mechanics,  merchants, 
teachers,  statesmen,  and  professional  men,  look  each 
to  the  prominent  men  of  his  particular  calling  for 


n  • 


IKTBODCOTION.  9 

light  npon  his  own  pathway.  In  this  respoct  minis- 
tora  of  tho  Gospol  aro  like  other  mon,  intereeted  in 
lonming  how  thoy  may  bout  Bucc^od  in  promoting 
tho  cause  in  which  they  are  engaged.  Tlioirs  m  a 
liigh  and  holy  calling,  involving  the  greatest  rcMpon- 
nibility;  as  shepherds  they  are  required  to  watch 
over  their  respective  flocks  as  they  who  must  give 
an  account.  And  who  is  sufficient  for  tlicso  things? 
None  of  us  without  grace ;  our  sufficiency  is  of  Christ. 
Now,  ministers  possessing  a  dne  bc:  «e  of  obligation 
naturally  turn  attention  to  ministerial  biography,  and 
mark  the  course  of  such  brethren  as  iiave  made  f\ill 
proof  of  their  ministry,  and  have  been  regarded  by 
the  people  as  able  ministers  of  tho  New  Testament. 
The  apostles  of  Ohrist  were  perfect  models  of  minis- 
terial excellence.  But  as  we  may  not  presume  to 
reach  the  standard  of  those  inspired  men,  it  becomes 
us  to  imitate  such  as,  in  our  own  circumstances, 
most  nearly  approximate  it.  Our  Saviour  said  of  an 
humble  individual,  "  She  hath  done  what  she  could," 
and  if  the  same  may  be  said  of  us  in  the  end,  all 
will  be  well.    God  requires  nothing  impossible. 

The  work  before  us  will  afford  mudi  of  interest  to 
the  pious  reader.  Though  the  author  and  the  sub- 
ject of  biography  were  intimate  personal  fHends,  it 
exhibits  on  the  face  thereof  the  marks  of  truth  and 
candor.  While  the  excellences  of  Mr.  Clark  are 
noted  in  temperate  language,  and  chiefly  by  a  fair 
record  of  facts,  there  is  no  effort  to  conceal  his  real 


rsrr 


10 


INTRODUOTIOir. 


or  supposed  defects.  This  is  as  it  should  be  in  all 
such  works.  The  greatest  and  best  of  men  are  liable 
to  err,  and  so  was  he;  yet  there  is  very  much  to 
approve,  and  exceeding  little  from  which  to  dissent, 
in  his  case.  But  few  men  ever  pass  the  ordeal  of  life 
so  free  from  blame  as  did  our  lamented  Clark,  and 
but  few  ever  excel  him  in  practical  usefulness.  He 
was  one  of  that  veteran  band  of  pioneers  born  in 
the  latter  part  of  the  eighteenth  century,  and  who 
figured  so  prominently  in  the  ranks  of  Methodism 
during  the  past  generation.  They  have  mostly  dis- 
appeared from  the  militant  Ohurch,  and  gone  to  the 
Church  above,  "  that  they  may  rest  from  their  labors, 
and  their  works  do  follow  them,"  while  we  are 
thereby  encouraged  to  follow  on  to  the  end  of  our 
probation. 

My  own  acquaintance  with  Brother  Clark  began 
in  1839,  when  he  was  Presiding  Elder  on  Chicago 
District,  then  of  the  Illinois  Conference,  over  which 
I  presided.  Subsequently  we  were  often  associated 
together  in  our  of&cial  relations,  in  various  sections 
of  the  work,  as  well  as  socially.  I  ever  found  him 
wise  in  council- and  prompt  in  action,  and  of  marked 
fidelity  in  his  official  duties.  He  proved  himself  in 
various  positions,  on  circuits,  stations,  districts,  and 
border  missions,  equal  to  the  task  assigned  him.  In 
social  life  he  was  an  example  of  dignity,  suavity,  and 
generosity ;  while  in  his  own  family  he  was  justly 
appreciated  as  a  kind  husband  and  father.    Upon 


INTRODUCTION. 


11 


t 


> 


the  whole,  he  was  a  choice  man,  one  who  excelled 
in  moral  yirtue,  consistent  piety,  and  ministerial 
usefulness.  I  had  every  opportunity  that  could  be 
desired  to  learn  his  character.  Tlie  overland  trip  we 
made  together  in  1841,  from  St.  Louis  to  Eutersville, 
Texas,  served  to  develop  his  patience  under  trials,  his 
inventive  resources  in  overcoming  difficulties,  and 
his  promptness  and  energy  in  every  emergency.  In 
regard  to  all  such  matters  he  had  been  thoroughly 
disciplined  during  his  long  and  hard  campaigns 
while  superintendent  of  our  Indian  missions  on  the 
Northwestern  frontiers,  as  this  work  will  amply 
detail. 

In  tracing  the  history  of  his  missionary  labors,  the 
reader  will  be  well  entertained  with  occasional  allu- 
sions to  the  country  and  character  of  the  population 
embraced  in  his  missions,  particularly  some  noted 
converts  from  paganism.  All  this,  however,  will  only 
increase  a  relish  for  the  history  of  the  missionary. 
His  untiring  energy  excites  admiration.  Here  we 
see  him  working  with  his  own  hands  to  erect  a  hab- 
itation, school-house,  or  chapel;  there  we  observe  him 
voyaging  in  a  frail  bark  canoe  over  stormy  lakes,  his 
life  in  peril,  but  always  cahn ;  yonder,  after  a  day 
of  hard  travel,  we  find  him  inclosed  in  a  buffalo 
robe,  and  sleeping  alone  on  a  snow-drift,  but  never 
complaining.  In  some  of  his  more  extensive  trips, 
he  and  his  few  assistants  frequently  carried  their  boat 
over  land  carriages  between  navigable  waters  miles 


;jit— t..'a..l>j»«*.^ 


>.«B«!iia^.an  ■:-■«" 


.  ■*" 


12 


INTRODUCTION. 


distant,  and  packed  thoir  bedding  and  provisions 
with  "portage-collars"  drawn  across  the  forehead  to 
secure  the  burden  on  the  back.  In  some  instances 
these  toils  were  his  daily  employment  for  weeks  to- 
gether, and  his  journeys  protracted  to  hundreds  and 
even  thousands  of  miles.  But  we  will  not  anticipate 
more. 

Now,  if  it  be  asked  why  he  did  not  wait  till  roads 
were  opened,  navigation  improved,  and  houses  of 
entertainment  appeared,  the  answer  is,  his  business 
did  not  admit  of  delay,  for  he  was  after  souls  in 
danger  of  perdition.  And  if  some  endure  similar 
hardships  to  acquire  gold,  how  much  more  consistent 
was  he  in  seeking  the  lost  1  "  He  that  winneth  souls 
is  wise."  Moreover,  let  it  be  remembered  that  he 
was  not  sent  to  the  frontier  because  unsuitable  for 
other  positions ;  he  was  one  of  our  popular  preachers, 
much  in  demand  for  district  and  city  stations ;  but 
he  nobly  volunteered  for  this  hard  service.  Such 
was  the  Christian  hero  whose  biography  is  here  pre- 
sented. I  hesitate  not  to  add,  that  the  author  has 
conferred  a  favor  on  the  Church  and  the  religious 
public  in  general,  by  rescuing  from  oblivion  these 
memorials  of  departed  worth. 

T.  A.  MosBis. 
OiNorniTATi,  February^  1866. 


0  ■ 


M 


s 

3^ 


^ 


0 


CONTENTS. 


,.  CHAPTER   I. 

PROM  HIS  BIRTH  TO  HIS  APPRENTICESHIP. 

Hift  Birth — Convoroion  of  hia  Parents — Their  Affliction  ond  Poverty  — 
John's  Early  Toils  —  Modornto  Poverty  not  always  an  Evil  —  Limited 
Educational  Privileges  —  Schools,  Books,  and  Houses  —  Early  Charac- 
teriatioB — Apprenticeship  —  Keasons  for  Leaving — A  noble  Mas- 
ter  Page    19 

CHAPTER  n. 
HIS  CONVERSION  AND  LICENSE. 

Early  Convictions — Children  may  be  converted  Early — Visits  Home — 
Convictions  deepened — Procrastinates — Resolves  and  fails — Convic- 
tions subside  —  Methodist  Prayer-meeting — Mrs.  Richards's  Exhorta- 
tion—  Conviction  returns  —  John  in  Class-meeting — Prayer  in  the 
Bam — Burden  lost — Prayer  in  the  Bark-mill  —  Witness  of  Ac- 
ceptance — Female  Influence — Diligence  in  Study  —  License 27 

CHAPTER  m. 

ENTERS  THE   ITINERANCY. 

Leyden  Circuit — Saratoga  Circuit  —  Compensation — The  Times  de- 
manded Sacrifices — A  Word  toYoung  Itinerants  —  Montgomery  Circuit 
— His  Preaching  Talents  —  Inequality  in  his  Sermons — Successes — Mr. 
Elisha  Foote  and  Family — Mr.  Foote's  Conviction  and  Conversion — 
Praying  like  Sinners  —  Mr.  Foote's  Children — Their  Conversion  — 
Pittstown  Circuit — The  Preacher — The  Pastor — Simeon  Lamb . .    85 

CHAPTER  IV.  •  i 

FROM  1828  TO  1827. 

Warren  Circuit — His  Marriage — Benefits  of  Circuits  —  Glenn's  Falls  and 
Sandy  Hill — Knox  Camp-meeting  —  Mr.  Clark's  Sermon — Effects  pro- 
duced— Middlebury  Station  —  Its  Position  —  College  and  Alumni  — 
Mr.  Clark's  Usefulness  —  His  Qualificivtions — Divers  Gifts  equally 
necessary 46 


■Jl  tririlli' 


t^^^a«l">iil.1^^»»a^^^«e^J^i 


14 


CONTENTS. 


_     " 


CHAPTER    V. 

PLATTSBURGH  DISTKICT. 

Erroneous  Views  of  tlae  North — Extracts  from  Dixon'a  Tour — Tlie 
Writer's  personal  Knowlcdpo  of  tliat  Region — Mr.  Clarlc'a  Youtli  us 
Presiding  Elder — His  Quulirtcntions — The  Times  and  their  Inflnenco 
—  Eft'eots  of  liis  rreocliing— The  Angry  Deacon — Mr.  Clark  vividly 
romcniborod — llis  Success  at  Quarterly  and  Camp-Meetings  —  Illus- 
tration—A curious  Incident — Mr.  Clark  in  the  Bishop's  Council — 
Encounters  an  old  Presiding  Elder— Deoth  of  his  only  Child — His 
Eesignation — New-York  City — His  Character  as  a  Man,  a  Christian, 
and  aMiuistor 64 


CHAPTER  VI. 

INDIAN    MISSIONS. 

Mr.  Clark  appointed  to  Green  Bay  Mission — His  Arrival — The  Cholera 

—  His  Solicitude  and  Faith — Concern  for  his  Family — Praying  by 
Book — Illustration — Anecdote  —  Indian  Character  and  Mythology  — 
Studied  under  Difficulties  —  Government  often  Oppressive  —  Moral 
Capabilities  not  studied  or  aided — Some  Exceptions  —  Indians'  Title 
to  the  Country  considered  —  Their  Superstitions  —  General  Love  of 
strong  Drink  —  Torch-light  Corousal  —  Making  a  Woman  of  an  Indian 

—  Indian  Eloquence  —  Tecumseh,  Seminole  Chief,  Schenandoah, 
Pushmataha,  Osceola — IndianPoetry — "Pity  the  Red  Man" — Letter 
from  George  Henry,  a  native  Speaker 70 


CHAPTER  VH. 

INDIAN  MISSIONS— CONTINUED. 

Green  Bay  —  Its  Situation — Visits  the  Indian  Settlement — His  Talk  — 
Daniel  Adams — The  Council  —  Favorable  Reception — First  House 
erected  for  Schools  and  Worship — Dedication — Lord's  oupper 
—  Dimensions,  &c.,  of  the  House  —  First  Methodist  Class  —  The 
School  and.  Sabbath  School — John  Sunday  at  Sault  Ste.  Marie  —  Sagi- 
naw Bay — Mr.  Clark  in  the  East — Letter  from  Daniel  Adams. ...    88 

CHAPTER  VHI. 

INDIAN  MISSIONS— CONTINUED. 

Mr.  Clark  returns  to  his  Field — A  Sabbath  at  Detroit — The  evening 
Meeting — Thomas  Frazier — W.  Herkimer — Peter  Jones  —  Storm  ou 


"■m: 


CONTENTS. 


15 


Lake  Hurnii — Snult  Stc.  Mario  —  Location  —  IL  Brady  —  Imliiin  LnUors 
— John  Sunday's  Mlnsionary  Spcocrh  —  ProBolytlng  —  Council  —  An- 
swer Fovorablo  —  Peter  Jones  —  Trcaclier's  IIouho  —  Lahorin^  with  liis 
own  Hands — Week-day  and  Sabljatli-sohool  —  ClaH8-incctin>rK  —  In- 
dians sincere  and  earnest— "A  Sabbath  Morning  at  Green  Hay"  — 
Houses  at  Duck  Creek  —  Mnrrloffo  of  Miss  Qulnney  and  Daniel 
Adams  —  His  Labors  —  Removal  to  Kaiinas  —  Death — Mrs.  Adams    Do 


CHAFIER  IX. 

INDIAN  MISSIONS— CONTINUED. 

Fort  Brady,  its  History— Revival— First  Winter  at  Sault  Sto.  Morle— 
Extent  of  Charge — Whisky  Drinking — Abstinence  of  Members — 
Letter  to  the  Board — Extent  of  Labors — Statistics — His  Desire  for 
Helpers — Repeated  Call — Perils  by  Water — I'assage  from  Saidt  Sto. 
Mario  to  Green  Bay — Indian  Christians  earing  for  Relatives — Arrival 
at  the  Bay— Indian  Thrift — Society  prosperous 110 

CHAPTER   X. 

INDIAN  MISSIONS— CONTINUED. 

Ke-wa-we-non — Mr.  Holliday — John  Sunday — Small  Beginning — Suc- 
cess— M'Geo  and  Frazier — Conversion  of  an  old  Sinner — Indian 
Privation  and  Perseverance — Affection  of  Indian  Converts  to  Spiritual 
Teachers — Mrs.  Clark's  Letter— Mr.  Clark  in  poor  Health — Grand 
Traverse  Bay — Failure  of  the  Mission,  and  the  Cause — Traders  favor- 
able to  Schools  and  Missions — Romanism  always  evil 122 


\9' 


CHAPTER  XI. 

INDIAN   MISSIONS— CONTINUED. 

Affliction  —  Sickness  of  their  little  Helen  —  Diary — Her  Death  and 
Burial  —  Brothers  Chandler  and  Bourne  arrive  —  Their  Fields  of 
Labor -r  Miss  Baylies  returns  Home — Mr.  Clark  injures  his  Health  by 
excessive  Toil — Romish  Interference — Mr.  Clark  decides  to  remove 
to  Green  Bay — His  Reasons  —  Statistics  at  the  Sault — A  Question 
and  an  Answer — Strong  Hopes 133 

CHAPTER  Xn. 

A  LONG  JOURNEY. 

Arrives  ot  Mackinaw— No  Vessel  for  the  Bay  —  Leaves  his  Family  and 
takes  another  Course — Detroit — Dearbornville  —  Ann  Arbor  —  Mar- 


16 


CONTENTS. 


■> 


shall — White  Pigeon — Boardsloy 'b  Prairie — Bertraud'H — Terra  CcHpia 

—  Michigan  City  —  Wind  and  Snow — Chicago — Preaches  on  Indian 
MiftRiona  —  Mr.  Bruce  —  GroHs  Point  —  Dcllo  Fontaine  —  A  Lunoh  in 
the  WoodH  —  IIorBos  take  a  sndden  Leave  —  Search  for  them — ^^Mr. 
(.'larlc  ttloue  in  the  WoodB  — Makes  liin  Camp  —  \Volf-vl»it — Wind, 
Rain,  and  Snow  —  Rotnrn  to  Ciiieago — Recover  their  IIorseB  —  Leave 
Cliicago  again  —  Skunk  Grove  — Mllwoukie  River — A  Guide  for  one 
I)oy  —  Night  —  Lose  their  Way  —  Lao  du  Brunha — A  Pottawattomie 
and  Family  —  Their  Corn  stolen — Cross  Rock  River — A  Bedroom  all 
outof  Doors  — Lake  Winnebago — Green  Bay 143 

,  CEAITER  Xni. 

INDIAN   MISSIONS. 

Letter  to  Mrs.  Clark— Mr.  White's  Testhnony— State  of  Society— 
Menomonee  River — An  important  Question — Need  of  Help — A  good  > 
Foundation  —  Jesuit  Influence  ^Decree  in  Council  —  A  true  Hero — 
A  happy  Meeting — Persecution  —  Christian  Fidelity — His   Impor- 
tunity for  Helpers  —  Viflits  Ke-wa-we-non —  Interview  with  the  Cliief 

—  Council  — Obtains  a  Grant  of  Land  —  Interesting  Meetings  —  Sac- 
raments— Chandler — Herkimer — Johnson  —  Description  of  School- 
house  and  Dwelling — Love-feast  Speaking — Yellow  Head  —  Emma 
RaLmsega — Big  Shilling — William  Snake  —  Big  Jacob 161 

CHAPl'ER  XIV. 
INDIAN   MISSIONS— CONTINUED. 


•  *r 


J^ao    Court    Oreille  —  Taunchy  —  Copway  —  Marksman  —  Menomonco 

—  Cah-boach  —  A  School  anticipated  —  La  Poiute — Rev.  Shcminu 
Hall  —  Teachers  winter  at  La  Pointe  —  Effects  of  their  Visit — Trans- 
lating —  Mr.  HalPs  catholic  Spirit  —  Watch-meeting  at  Kc-wa-we-noi . 

—  A  "Medicine  Man"  —  John  Cah-beach  at  Menomonee  —  Visit  to 
Sault  Ste.  Marie  —  State  of  the  Mission — Need  of  a  Farmer — ^Visits 
Menomonee  —  Wild  Rice  —  Mode  of  Harvesting  —  Death  of  the  old 
Chief — Whisky  —  Indian  Converts  keep  the  Sabbath  —  Indians  sell 
their  Land,  and  remove  —  Oneida  West — Misses  Mudgett  and  Lee  — 
A  House  demolished  and  School  dispersed  by  a  Mob 161 


•r 


*  ' 


T  CHAPTER  XV.       ,     . 
INDIAN  MISSIONS— CONTINUED. 


Visits  Sault    Ste.    Marie  —  Indian    Improvements  —  Ke-wa-we-non — 
Peaceful  Deaths — Statistics  —  Mr.  Chandler  visits  Home  —  Visit  to 


■*r 


J 


■>      *■ 


CONTENTB. 


n 


IjAO  Court  Oroillo  —  Rev.  Shorman  IIoll  —  A  Suffffontinn  —  Mo<lo  of 
Travel  —  I'orUges  —  Portajfo  CollurH  —  A  dangoroua  riun(;o  —  Friumlly 
Cliiof  at  Ijio  Court  Oroillo  —  Credulity  of  ludiaiiH  — Mr.  Clark  pnrt» 
with  the  Teachers  —  Furowell  Prayer  in  tlio  Forest  —  Lon^  Journey  — 
Mississippi  Kivor  —  Prairio  du  Cliion  — Swiss  Mission  —  Fort  Winne- 
bago—  Services  i'l  the  Fort  —  Lake  "Winnebago  —  Green  Bay  —  Ills 
Observations  —  Changes  in  that  Country  —  EA'ect  on  Missions  —  Extract 
from  Episcopal  Recorder 17a 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

LEAVING    THE    INDIAN    MISSIONS. 

Chicago  District — Ills  Paternal  Feelings  toward  the  Missions — Visits 
the  East  with  three  Native  Christians — Effects  of  the  Visit — Attach- 
ment of  the  Natives  to  Mr.  Clark  —  Incident — Extract — The  Name 
given  liim,  Waub-ke-newh — Extent  of  liis  District — Indian  MiHsions 
included — Visit  to  Green  Bay — Sloops  on  Snow — His  Labors — Camp- 
Meetings  — Courage  and  Endurance  —  On  the  troubled  Lake — The  soli- 
tary Sentinel — Extract  of  a  Letter  to  a  Bachelor  Preacher — To  a  needy 
one  on  Teaching  School 18i 


i' 


t».. 


CHAPTER   XVH. 
THE  OVERLAND  TRIP. 


Volunteers  for  Texas — Motives — Outfit  for  the  Journey — Rev.  J.  W. 
Whipple  — Diary — Princeton — Northampton  — Peoria — Ellen  Grove  — 
Irish  Grove — Springfield — Carlinvillc — Paddock's  Grove — St.  Louis 
— Farmington — Frcdcrictown  —  A  Two-days'  Meeting — Greenville 
— Camp  Cyprus — Camp  Sycamore — A  little  Mishap — Strawberry 
Camp — Lunch  Creek — Camp  Necessity — Batcsville — Morals  of  the 
Place — Arkansas  Conference — Religious  Services — Temperance  — 
Sally  Doe — Bayou  do  Salle — A  Tempest — A  Break-down — John 
Wilson — A  Cold  Meeting — Pino  Knot  Camp — Cyprus  Knees — 
Camp  Felicity — Rain — Camp  Holly — Camp  Solitude — A  Chapel — 
A  Singular  Weapon — ♦*  Kill  a  Man  Tmce" — Red  River — Long  Moss 
Camp — Bay  Tree  Camp — Texas  Lino — Bed  Land  Camp — San  Au- 
gustine— Twenty  Nights  in  Camp 103 


CHAPTER  XVni. 

LABORS  IN  TEXAS. 

Texas  Conference  —  Appointments  —  Rutersville  District — Tliree  hun- 
dred Miles  to  his  District— Tent  titill  needed  — *' Called  a  Methodist" 

2 


18 


C05JTENT8. 


.  i 


— Wedding  nt  a  Camp-pfronnd  — Gruvo  of  Rutor  —  ArrlvcH  at  Riilcrs- 
viUe  —  In  ft  hired  Kooni  —  Oood«  Hont  back  to  Now-Orlcaim  —  Arrlvoi» 
at  Austin  —  CongrcHB  —  PrcnchoH  la  Honato  Cl^nmbor — Introduced  to 
Government  Offlccrit  — IndlanH  ho«tllo  — Ills  Armor — Qonzolcs  —  His 
first  Lovo-foast  in  Texan  —  Muntang  —  Ruternvlllo  —  Egypt  —  ExteLt 
of  Ills  Dlntrict  —  Mexican  ond  Indian  OutrBgeH  —  C'annibalH  —  Mr. 
Clark's  QnaliflcatlonR  and  FaltliAilnoHH  —  Connoll  of  War  at  a  Quarterly 
Meeting  —  Effect  of  the  War  upon  Religion  —  Some  Trosperlty  —  The 
Peopln's  Estimate  of  Mr.  Clark  —  Concern  for  the  People  of  Color — 
Anecdote  —  ''We  are  not  Fly-cotchorB "  —  Elected  a  Delegate  to 
General  Conference,  1844 — Transferred  to  Troy  Conference  —  Hhi 
Vote  in  Bishop  Andrew's  Cose — Censured  by  Texas  Conference  — 
liis  Reply  to  their  Resolution — Pecuniary  Lost i<13 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

^  LABORS    IN    THE    TROY    CONFERENCE. 

Poultnoy  District — Some  Change  in  his  Stylo  of  Preaching — Discnr- 
siveness -- Its  Causes — Often  preached  with  Power — A  Camp-meet- 
ing Sermon —  His  Horse  stolen — Sensible  Reply — A  oharactcristio 
Aci  —  A  homely,  but  forcible  Illustration  —  Troy  District — Accepta- 
bility and  Usefulness  —  Letters  to  Rev.  Mr.  Bourne  —  Heterodoxy  in- 
ferroil — His  Explanations  —  Pledge  —  Recoil  of  the  Pledge  —  Truth 
Uos  between  Extremes  —  Labors  at  Hudson-street,  Albany  —  Devotion 
to  his  Work — Not  largely  successful  —  Reasons — Mental  Attainments 
— Albany  District  —  Faithful — Devoted  —  Competent — Beloved.  281 


t 


CHAPTER  XX. 

STATIONED  IN  CHICAGO  — SICKNESS  — DEATH. 

Transferred  to  Rock  River  Conference  —  Adaptation— East  and  West — 
Growth  in  Grace  —  His  Influence  —  Biblical  Institute  —  Mrs.  Garrett  — 
Difference  of  Opinion  —  Anecdote — His  Sickness  and  Death — Letter 
from  Dr.  Bartlett— His  Funeral  Services 247 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

CONCLUDING  CHAPTER. 

Mr.  Clark's  personal  Appearance  — Mr.  Clark  as  a  Friend  and  Com- 
panion—His Piety— Mr.  Clark  as  a  Pastor  and  Preacher — As  a 
Missionary—  As  a  Presiding  Elder — As  a  Legislator — As  a  Husband 
and  Father— Conolnsion 264 


THE 


LITE  OF  REV.  JOHN  CLARK. 


■^•»>»- 


LO 
■l- 

1- 

,h 

t8 
1 


CHAPTER   I. 

FROM  HIS  BIRTH  TO  HIS  APPBENTIOISHIP. 

IliB  Blrtb— Conveniion  of  his  Paronts— Thoir  Affliction  and  Poverty— 
John's  early  Toils — Moderate  Poverty  not  always  an  Evil — Limited 
Educational  Privileges — Schools,  Books,  and  Houses — Early  Charac- 
teristics— Apprenticeship — Beasona  for  Leaving — A  noblo  Master. 

John  Clark  was  born  in  Hartford,  Washington 
County,  New-York,  July  30th,  1797.  He  was  a 
descendant  of  the  "  Pilgrims,"  and  inherited  a  large 
share  of  their  vigor,  both  of  body  and  mind.  His 
paternal  grandmother  was  bom  on  shipboard,  on 
the  passage  to  America;  but  at  what  date  is  not 
definitely  known.  In  the  early  part  of  the  last 
century,  the  grandfather,  George  Clark,  removed 
from  "Worcester,  Massachusetts,  to  Coleraine,  in  the 
same  state.  It  is  probable  that  several  of  his 
relatives,  of  the  same  name,  settled  in  Coleraine 
at  about  the  same  date.  I  find  in  the  "  History  of 
"Western  Massachusetts,"  that  this  town  was  settled 
in  1735 ;  and  the  first  warrant  for  a  town  meeting 


20 


LIFE    UF    KKV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


■  I 


was  signed  by  John  Clnrk,  Alexander  Clark,  Samuel 
Clork,  James  Clurk,  Matthew  Clark,  and  "William 
Clark.  Hero  the  father  of  our  Bubject  was  bom, 
about  A.  D.  1767,  and  in  due  time  was  united  in 
marriage  with  Miss  Elizabeth  Edgecomb.  Twelve 
children  were  the  fruit  of  this  union,  eleven  of 
whom  lived  to  grow  up  to  man's  estate. 

In  1800  these  parents  both  professed  conversion, 
and  united  with  the  Calvinistic  Baptist  Church,  of 
the  close  communion  order,  in  the  place  of  their 
residence.  They  were  poor  persons  during  most  of 
their  lives ;  for,  though  Mr.  Clark  had  early  acquired 
some  property,  and  was  in  a  fair  way  to  increase  his 
possessions  by  industry  and  frugality^  yet,  in  con- 
sequence of  the  title  of  his  lands  proving  invalid,  he 
was  reduced  to  poverty ;  and,  to  add  to  their  afflic- 
tions, he  soon  became  blind.  He  had  suffered  from 
an  affection  of  the  eyes  for  some  time,  when  he  was 
induced  to  make  trial  of  the  skill  of  a  pretended 
oculist,  by  which  experiment  he  was  wholly  deprived 
of  sight.  These  two  privations,  the  loss  of  his  farm 
and  his  eyes,  effectually  prevented  his  worldly  pros- 
perity, and  rendered  it  necessary  that  the  children 
should  begin  in  early  life  to  contribute,  as  they  might 
be  able,  toward  their  own  support.  Under  these  cir- 
cumstances, John  resided  but  occasionally  in  his 
father's  family  after  he  was  eight  years  old.  In  suc- 
ceeding days  of  tender  childhood  he  was  employed 


H 


-^ 


POVERTY    NOT    ALWAYS   AN    EVIL.  21 


in  various  wayB,  at  difforont  places,  for  hucIi  com- 
ponsatlon  tis  his  little  Hervicea  would  coininaiul. 
To  the   pampered  children  of  wealth  it  would, 

%f  doubtless,  appear  like  a  grievous  misfortune,  thus  to 
toil  for  bread  almost  from  their  tender  infancy.  A 
hardnhip  it  certainly  was  in  his  cose;  yet  such  n 
condition  is  not  wholly  without  advantages.  Useful 
exorcine,  when  practiced  within  proper  limits  in  early 
life,  is  well  calculated  to  strengthen  the  muscles, 
develop  the  form,  and  give  vigor  to  the  whole  sys- 
tem ;  and  as  there  is  the  closest  connection  and  the 
strongest  sympathy  between  the  physical  and  the 
mental,  it  will  follow,  that  in  labor  there  is  profit  to 
the  mind  as  well  as  to  the  body.  In  cases  of  deep 
poverty  there  will  be  the  absence  of  those  aids  and 
facilities  which  are  desirable  for  the  improvement 

^  both  of  the  mind  and  estate ;  yet  a  general  and  care- 
ful investigation  will  show  that  by  far  the  largest 
proportion  of  those  who  now  occupy  important 
positions,  and  exert  the  widest  influence,  are  such 
as  were  thrown  upon  their  own  resources  in  early 
life. 

Tlie  writer  has  taken  some  pains  to  ascertain  the 
early  history  and  circumstances  of  most  of  the  leading 
men  in  one  of  our  old  cities,  which  has  a  population 
of  nearly  forty  thousand ;  and  it  is  worthy  of  remark, 
that,  of  the  judges,  the  lawyers,  tlie  merchants,  the 
teachers,  and  the  clergymen,  who  are  in  the  van 


22 


LIFE    OP    RKV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


i> 


I 


■H 


of  tlieir  rospoctivo  rnnkft,  a  largo  majority  Imvo 
oriscn  from  tlio  "rurol  districts,"  and  from  tho 
fuinilies  of  tho  poor.  Abject  poverty  is  certainly  an 
evil,  and  so  is  bloated  wealth ;  ond  in  which  condition 
there  ig  the  p^'oater  danger  it  is  difficult  to  determine. 
IFo  was  a  wise  man  who  proyed,  "Give  mo  neither 
poverty  nor  riches." 

IIow  much  opportunity  young  Olark  had  for  ac- 
quiring knowledge  in  tlio  schools,  is  not  known ;  but 
judging  from  the  character  of  those  institutions  at 
the  time,  and  fVom  tho  condition  of  tho  family,  it  is 
concluded  that  his  advantages  were  very  limited. 
A  description  of  the  schools,  including  houses,  fur- 
niture, books,  <&c.,  would,  perhaps,  be  interesting  to 
the  children  and  youth  of  the  present  day,  who  live 
in  those  same  localities,  now  so  greatly  improved. 
Tlie  writer  lived  in  times  when  all  these  bore 
rather  primitive  characters,  and  he  is  strongly 
inclined  to  indulge  a  little  in  description. 

Teachers  of  district  schools  wore  often  but  poorly 
qualified  for  the  work  of  teaching,  being  employed  in 
that  vocation  only  a  few  months  in  tho  year,  and 
resorting  to  it  only  to  earn  a  slender  compensation 
during  the  inclemency  of  winter.  Or  in  summer, 
the  mistress  was  employed  to  teach  the  simple 
rudiments  to  the  very  young  children,  who  were  too 
small  to  be  of  any  service  in  the  house  or  field. 
Tlie  books  of  instruction  were  few  in  number,  Jii.d 


"1* 


1 1 


too 
eld. 


4^ 

PRIMITIVE    SCIIOOL-nOUBEB.  28 

imperfectly  adapted  to  tlio  capacities  of  cliildren, 

for 

"  Eony  loiwonA  for  uneoHy  boy*  '* 

were  not  then  invented.  Wolmtor's  Spoiling  lV>.)k, 
Dwight's  Compendium  of  Arithmetic,  and  the  Tliird 
Port  for  a  reading-book,  comprised  nearly  oH  the 
books  which  were  found  in  the  schools.  Tlio  Colum- 
bian Orator  was  possessed  by  a  favored  few;  and 
some  had  copies  of  Morsels  Geography  as  rare 
treasures.  Tlio  English  Header  was  introduced  and 
became  tlio  reading-book  at  a  later  date. 

Tlie  school-houses  were  "few  and  far  between," 
and  {;enerally  cold  and  inconvenient.  Tlio  benches 
for  small  cliildren  were  mado  of  planks  or  slabs,  sup- 
ported upon  legs  inserted  in  auger-holes,  and  without 
backs.  A  row  of  writing  counters  was  placed  around 
three  sides  of  the  room,  a  little  diutanco  from  the  wall ; 
and  the  occupants  sat  behind  those,  using  the  walls 
of  the  house  for  supports  to  their  backs.  When  the 
children  assembled,  coming  from  all  distances,  from 
two  miles  and  under,  having  pressed  their  way,  it 
may  be,  through  deep  snows  and  drifts,  with  their 
bod  shoes,  held  in  possession  jointly  by  their  feet  ond 
the  snow,  they  found  no  stove  glowing  with  heot, 
and  diffusing  its  geniol  influence  oround  the  room ; 
but  they  found  the  house  open  ond  cold ;  for  none 
were  willing  to  put  in  repoir  the  creaking  door  or 
rattling  windows;  nor  were  they  willing  to  poy  a 


24 


LIFE    OF  REV.  JOHN   CLARK. 


email  tax  to  defray  the  expenses  of  such  repairs.  A 
large  fire-place  was  built  at  one  end  of  the  house,  in 
which  there  was  generally,  in  winter,  a  fire,  which 
feebly  struggled  for  the  mastery  with  a  quantity  of 
green  wood,  which  obstinately  refused  to  bum  until 
late  -in  the  forenoon  of  each  day.  Tlie  children  must 
study  and  shiver,  and  shiver  and  study,  in  this  pur- 
gatory of  frost,  and  get  their  lessons  as  best  they 
could.  Such  were  the  facilities  afforded  the  children 
of  that  day;  while  some  parents  were  too  poor  to 
secure  even  these  to  their  growing  families. 
.  No  incidents  in  the  early  life  of  young  Clark  have 
been  preserved ;  and  it  is  probable  that  nothing 
occurred  to  distinguish  him  from  other  boys  of  his 
age.  I  learn  that  he  was  possessed  of  good  parts; 
that  he  had  a  resolute  spirit,  and  was  always  on  good 
terais  with  his  fellows.  He  -^as  an  acknowledged 
leader  in  their  plans  and  sports,  and  all  were  glad  to 
follow. 

In  1816,  when  eighteen  years  of  age,  with  the  con- 
sent of  his  parents,  he  entered  into  an  agreement 
with  Mr.  Simeon  Rawson,  of  the  town  of  Schroon, 
Essex  County,  New- York,  to  serve  three  years  as  an 
apprentice  to  the  tanning  business.  Here  he  con- 
tinued two  yeai*s  and  three  months,  and  then  left  by 
mutual  consent.  Previously  to  his  leaving  Mr.  Raw- 
son,  he  had  been  converted ;  and  though  his  employer 
was  an  unconverted  man,  and  was  called  an  infidel, 


'fk 


\-m 


A   NOBLE    MASTER. 


25 


an 
on- 

by 

aw- 
)yer 
Idel, 


yet  he  became  convinced  that  his  apprentice  must 
hecomo  a  preacher.  Not  a  word  had  John  uttered 
on  this  subject,  even  to  his  Christian  friends ;  voc  liis 
irreligious  master  had  marked  his  faithfulness,  his 
devotion,  and  his  increasing  gifts,  until  the  question 
was  clear  to  his  own  mind.  Of  liis  own  accord  he 
introduced  the  subject,  anJ  proposed  to  relinquish  ail 
further  claim  to  his  services,  although  these  were  then 
more  profitable  to  him  than  at  any  former  time,  as 
the  apprentice  was  well  skilled  in  the  craft.  How 
Strong  and  clear  must  have  been  the  evidence  of  tlio 
young  man's  call  to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  to  pro- 
duce such  an  effect  upon  his  employer  I  It  is  cer- 
tainly a  curious  circumstance,  that  one  having  no 
religion,  and  really  no  religious  belief,  should  be  able 
to  detect  the  secret  workings  of  the  soul  of  another, 
and  read  its  convictions  on  such  a  subject.  It  was  a 
noble  act  on  the  part  of  that  gentleman,  thus  to 
loose  his  apprentice  and  let  him  go,  in  order  that 
he  might  lose  no  time  in  his  preparation  for  his 
sacred  work;  and  Mr.  Clark  remembered  that  act 
with  gratitude.  Such  generosity  contrasts  strongly 
with  the  mercenary  spirit  of  some  who  profess  to  be 
Christians,  and  yet  have  refused  to  release  their 
apprentices  for  similar  reasons,  even  when  offers 
of  compensation  have  been  made  to  them.  They 
must  be  served  until  the  utmost  limit  of  apprentice- 
ship is  reached;  and  then  the  Lord  may  use  the 


ill  LIFE    OP   REV.   JOHN   CLARK. 

young  men.    How  strong  is  the  principle  of  selfish- 
ness in  the  hearts  of  some  men. 

It  is  not  known  what  became  of  this  Mr.  Rawson, 
or  whether  he  was  ever  converted;  but  it  is  hoped 
that  the  Gospel,  as  preached  by  the  ministry  to  which 
he  had  so  generously  contributed  his  apprentice,  may 
have  proved  "  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation,"  even 
to  him. 


■  H 


Jti 


Is; 


'k 


=>^- 


■«" 


1/ 


t3^-*     * 


r^^ 


EARLY   CONVICTIONS.  ST 


CHAPTER   II. 

HIS  CONVERSION  AND  LICENSE. 

Early  Convictions — Ciiildren  may  bo  converted  Early — Visits  Homo — 
Convictions  deepened — Procrastinates — Resolves  and  fails  —  Convic- 
tions subside  —  Methodist  Prayer-meeting — Mrs.  Richards'a  Exhorta- 
tion—  Conviction  returns  —  John  in  Class-meeting  —  Prayer  in  the 
Barn  —  Burden  lost — Prayer  in  the  Bark-mill  —  Witness  of  Ac- 
ceptance —  Female  Influence  —  Diligence  in  Study  —  Liceuso, 

From  a  verj  brief  sketch,  penned  by  himself  a  little 
before  his  death,  it  is  seen  that  young  Clark  enter- 
tained a  full  conviction  of  the  truth  of  the  Christian 
religion.  "Without  any  very  clear  or  distinct  views 
of  its  special  truths,  as  a  system  of  doctrines,  he  yet 
had  a  good  general  view  of  its  provisions  and  duties, 
and  was  persuaded  that  he  must  become  a  Christian, 
or  perish  forever.  From  the  age  of  about  nine  yeai*s, 
it  was  his  custom,  every  night  on  retiring  to  rest,  to 
meditate  seriously  upon  his  exposed  state  ;  and  often 
the  conviction  was  deep  and  painful,  that  if  he  should 
die  before  morning  he  would  be  lost  in  perdition. 
And  when  consciousness  was  beginning  to  return  in 
the  morning,  he  was  found  asking  himself  the  ques- 
tion: "Am  I  in  time,  or  in  eternity  without  hope?" 
At  that  early  date  he  was  "not  far  from  the  kingdom 
of  God ;"  and  if  pious  friends  had  then  taken  him  by 


i'/ 


28 


LIFE    OP    REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


the  hand,  given  him  instruction  in  religion,  and 
whispered  to  him  the  words  of  invitation  and  hope, 
he  would  have  been  brought  to  the  Saviour  in  his 
tender  years.  But  at  that  time  children  were  too 
much  neglected;  and  parents,  of  a  certain  faith, 
sometimes  contented  themselves  while  waiting  for 
"the  Lord's  own  good  time."  They  trusted  that 
their  children  would  be  "willing  in  the  day  of 
his  power,"  and  so  they  failed  to  do  their  duty  in  the 
premises. 

It  is  too  often  the  case  that  religion  is  presented  to 
the  minds  of  children  only  in  its  more  awful  aspects, 
and  they  are  rather  repulsed  than  attracted.  Would 
it  not  be  better,  if  this  subject  were  made  more 
familiar  and  inviting  in  the  domestic  circle?  How 
many  little  ones  might  thus  be  won  to  the  Saviour, 
instead  of  living  in  sin,  and  walking  in  the  way  to 
death !  But,  in  the  absence  of  such  encouragements 
and  counsels  as  would  have  led  to  peace  and  joy,  this 
young  lad  continued  to  fear  und  tremble,  to  sin  and 
grieve,  until  he  was  nearlji  twenty  yeare  of  age. 
Tliere  were  tlie'i  and  there  no  Sunday  schools  to 
collect  and  feed  the  lambs,  aud  introduce  them  to  the 
Good  Shepherd. 

In  the  winter  of  1817  there  was  an  extensive 
revival  of  religion  in  the  vicinity  of  his  father's 
residence,  the  family  having  removed  to  Chester 
Cornel's,  in  Warren  County,  N.  Y.    In  that  revival 


KE80LVES    TO    BE   A    CHRISTIAN. 


29 


five  members  of  the  family  were  converted.  Being 
on  a  visit  to  liis  father's  house,  John  was  power- 
fully convinced  of  sin,  and  resolved  to  bo  a  Chris- 
tian. But  a  change  of  purpose  is  not  a  change  of 
heart;  and,  as  is  often  the  case,  depraved  nature 
pleaded  for  a  little  delay.  On  the  whole,  he  con- 
cluded to  defer  the  matter  until  his  return  to  Mr. 
Rawson's,  where,  as  before  mentioned,  he  was 
serving  his  apprenticeship.  The  distance  was  about 
eightaen  miles,  and  he  made  the  trip  on  foot.  On 
his  journey,  his  distress  of  mind  increasing,  he  re- 
solved that,  on  reaching  a  certain  place,  ho  would 
tuni  aside  and  pray  for  immediate  salvation.  The 
place  which  he  had  decided  to  make  his  Bethel 
was  an  unoccupied  log-house,  which  stood  a  few 
rods  from  the  highway.  This  resolution  being 
formed,  and  the  time  of  its  execution  so  near  at 
hand,  he  found  some  mental  relief,  as  was  to  be 
expected,  from  an  honest  purpose  to  do  what  had 
long  been  known  as  duty.  But,  alas!  how  little 
did  he  then  know  of  "the  devices  of  the  adver- 
sary!" As  he  drew  near  the  place  he  began  to 
inquire,  "  If  some  one  should  see  me  enter  or  retire, 
or,  passing,  should  hear  my  voice  in  prayer,  what 
would  be  said?"  Immediately  there  came  upon 
him  such  a  spirit  of  fear  and  terror  as  caused  him 
to  quicken  his  pace  and  hasten  with  all  speed,  until 
he  had  passed  the  place  with  his  vow  unperformed. 


(    • 


» 


Hi'E    or    llEV.    JOUN    CLAKK. 


How  small  a  matter  will  often  cause  the  soul 
to  shrirk  back  when  just  within  reach  of  the  prize  1 
And  this  occurs  not  only  in  the  experience  of  the 
young  and  timid,  but  frequently  in  that  of  the  mature 
and  brave.  But,  as  in  other  cases  of  the  kind,  so 
in  this;  conviction  began  to  subside,  so  that  when 
he  reached  his  destination  he  could  even  trifle  with 
his  soul,  and  laughed  at  the  suggestion  that  his 
countenance  betrayed  mental  distress. 

His  conviction  for  sin,  however,  was  not  wholly 
gone.  On  Sabbath  morning,  March  23,  though  he 
was  apparently  more  cheerful,  and  even  more  mirth- 
ful than  usual,  yet  some  serious  thoughts  would  rise 
unbidden.  It  was  proposed  by  one  of  the  young 
people  (of  whom  there  were  several  in  the  family, 
and  all  unconverted)  that  they  take  a  walk  of  a  mile 
or  two  to  a  Methodist  prayer-meeting,  at  the  house 
of  Mr.  George  Moore,  a  leading  member  of  the 
Church.  The  proposal  was  accepted,  they  arrived 
in  due  time,  and  the  meeting  proceeded  with  indi- 
cations of  true  sincerity  and  great  earnestness  on 
the  part  of  the  little  band  of  worshipers.  After 
several  prayers  had  been  offered,  the  exercises  were 
changed,  and  exhortations  were  given  by  several 
persons  in  succession.  At  length  Mrs.  Kichards, 
the  wife  of  the  class-leader,  addressed  the  little 
assembly  in  an  affectionate  and  powerful  manner. 
The  word  of  exhortation  reached  the  heart  of  John, 


m 


ATTENDS    CLASS-ME£TINa. 


81 


and  his  convictions  returned  with  almost  resistless 
force.  Tlie  meeting  ended  and  the  people  dis- 
persed, but  he  tarried  behind  his  companions  and 
lingered  at  the  door,  feeling  a  strange  influence 
which  seemed  to  prevent  his  retiring,  and  to  draw 
him  back  into  the  house.  He  yielded  to  that  in- 
fluence, and,  for  the  first  time  in  his  life,  was 
found  in  a  Methodist  class-meeting.        •         c^ 

All  were  surprised  to  see  him  there.  What  had 
induced  him  to  return?  This  was  the  question 
which  arose  in  all  minds,  but  which  none  could 
answer.  Before  the  leader  reached  the  place  where 
he  was  seated,  his  distress  became  almost  insup- 
portable;  and  when  the  state  of  his  mind  was 
inquired  after,  he  answered,  with  tears,  that  he  was 
a  poor  miserable  sinner  desiring  salvation.  He  was 
instructed,  and  prayed  for,  but  no  relief  came  to 
his  soul.  Yet  the  step  was  taken,  his  position  was 
defined,  and  there  was  no  way  of  honorable  retreat, 
and  he  desired  none.  Fully  resolved  to  seek  until 
he  should  find,  he  walked  homeward  alone,  under 
a  burden  which  seemed  too  heavy  to  be  borne. 

The  bands  of  Satan  were,  however,  so  far  loosed 
that  he  could  pray,  and  pray  he  did.  The  captive 
struggled  for  deliverance,  and  the  broken  heart 
cried  out  for  healing.  All  the  remainder  of  the 
Sabbath  and  the  day  following  his  distress  was 
unabated;   but   on   Tuesday  morning,   March  25, 


m 


■'""^^mi^m^mr 


I't     I'l 


I 


:! 
4\ 


S2 


LIFE    OF    KEV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


1817,  just  as  tho  sun  was  rising  in  tlio  east,  while 
he  was  pleading  with  God  in  the  barn,  the  words, 
"Thy  sins  are  forgiven,"  were  impressed  upon  his 
mind  with  such  distinctness  that  he  turned  to  see 
if  some  one  had  not  spoken  them  audibly.  But  no 
one  was  visible ;  and  yet  again  those  blessed  words 
appeared  to  be  repeated.  Thy  sins  are  forgiven  I 
He  asked  himself,  "  Is  this  the  voice  of  God  speak- 
ing in  the  soul?  What  else  can  it  be?"  Still  he 
felt  no  special  joy.  Tlie  burden  was  gone,  the 
consciousness  of  guilt  was  removed,  and  he  even 
began  to  fear  that  he  might  falter  in  his  course, 
and  fail  of  salvation  after  all.  ,  , 

About  ten  o'clock  on  the  same  morning,  some 
item  of  business  called  him  to  the  tannery,  about 
one  hundred  rods  from  the  house,  and  on  the  way 
he  resolved  to  spread  his  case  again  before  the 
Lord  and  implore  his  aid.  On  reachiLg  the  place 
he  entered  the  bark-mill,  fell  on  his  face,  and 
entreated  that  his  doubts  might  be  solved  and  his 
way  directed.  While  thus  in  the  dust  before  the 
mercy-seat,  he  felt  an  inward  conviction,  a  full 
assurance  that  the  Lord  had  extended  to  him  his 
pardoning  favor  and  adopting  love.  His  eyes  and 
heart  were  raised  heavenward,  and  his  new-bom 
soul  cried,  "Abba,  Father  1"  Thus  the  new  life 
was  begun,  the  race  for  glory  commenced,  and 
from  that  day  his  course  was  onward.     There  was 


INriiUENCE    OP    WOMAN. 


88 


liile 
rde, 

liis 

Bee 
it  no 
^ordB 

[YEN  I 

peak- 
,m  he 
3,  the     • 
I  even 
course, 

lj  Borae 

,,  about 

he  -way 

lore  the 
place 

ce,   and 
and  his 
ore  the 
a  full 
him  his 
eyes  and 
aew-hom 

new  He 
ced,  and 
:iiere  was 


no  faltering  in  the  course,  no  turning  aside  nftor 
other  objects,  and  no  shrinking  from  toil  or  danger. 
His  all  was  presented  to  God,  and  must  thence- 
forward be  used  in  liis  service. 

It  may  be  allowable  to  remark  hero,  that  very 
many  have  been  brought  to  God  by  the  faithful- 
ness of  pious  women.  I  need  not  refer  to  special 
cases,  for  they  are  all  around  ns.  And  many  of 
them  are  among  the  best  and  greatest,  both  in 
position  and  influence.  And  yet  some,  in  the  muiis- 
try  and  laity,  would  have  women  altogether  hold 
their  peace  in  religious  meetings.  But  for  the 
exhortation  of  Ju's.  Richards,  who  can  tell  what 
would  have  been  the  course  and  end  of  John 
Clark?  Between  the  results  of  his  labore,  both  for 
the  white  and  red  man,  and  the  exhortation  of  that 
pious  woman,  there  is  a  connection  which  the  great 
Rewarder  will  not  fail  to  recognize. 

Tlie  young  convert  now  availed  himself  of  such 
aids  as  were  within  his  reach  for  improving  his 
mind;  and  being  apt  to  learn,  soon  became  quali- 
fied to  teach  a  district  school,  which  vocation  he 
followed  a  portion  of  his  time.  He  was  soon 
licensed  to  exhort,  and  his  word  was  not  without 
eflfect,  for  sinners  were  awakened  and  converted, 
and  tho  fruits  of  his  labors  in  that  humble  sphere 
will  be  found  in  the  great  harvest.    He  was  warm 

and  energetic  in  his  manner,  of  fine  personal  ap- 

3 


84 


LIFE    OF    REV.    JOHN    OLARK. 


i- 


;  I 


III; 


poaranco,  and  bioBsiod  with  a  voico  of  vast  com- 
pass and  force,  yot  full  of  mulody  and  swoetncss. 
Happy  in  his  Saviour,  and  burning  with  lovo  for 
bouIhi,  lio  was  ready  for  any  labor  or  sacrifice. 

Having,  as  usual  in  our  Church,  held  an  exhorter's 
license,  and  having  proved  himself  acceptable  and 
useful,  he  was  reconunended  by  the  society  as  a  suit- 
able person  to  be  licensed  to  preach.  At  the  next 
Quarterly  Conference  of  Warren  Circuit,  held  on  the 
thirtieth  of  October,  1819,  the  license  was  granted. 
Daniel  J.  Wright  was  the  preacher  in  charge.  During 
the  brief  space  which  elapsed  before  the  next  session 
of  the  New- York  Annual  Conference,  ho  was  diligent 
in  his  Master's  work,  and  useful  in  his  sphere.  His 
desire  for  mental  improvement  was  intense,  his  appli- 
cation constant  and  severe,  and  his  profiting  appeared 
to  all.  He,  in  some  measure,  triumphed  over  former 
disabilities,  and  redeemed  the  time  so  as  to  make 
amends  for  his  earlier  privations. 


^ 


ENTERS   THE    ITINERANOT. 


86 


com- 

IlCflS. 

0  for      • 

>rtor'8 
e  au<l 
a  Bult- 
0  next 
on  the 
ranted. 
During 
,  session 
diligent 
re.    His 

lis  appli- 
ippeared 

)r  tbrmer 

to  make 


CHAPTER  III. 

ENTERS  THE   ITINERANCY. 

Loydon  Circuit — Hnrntotrn  Circuit  — Cotnpciwutloii  — The  TIiiioh  de- 
ninndi'dSiiorlfli'c'H  —  A  WordtoVoun)?  ItlnoraiitH  —  Mnuftjoiuory  Circuit 
— Ill*  Pn'm-liiui;  Talcntd  —  Incipmllty  In  IiIn  Sormoiw  —  Sud'cwHi-H  —  Mr. 
EllHlin  Footu  uud  Fnmlly  —  Mr.  FootoV  Conviction  biuI  Convention— . 
Trajlng  like  Hlnnors  —  Mr.  Footo'u  Children  —  Tliclr  Convornlon  — 
rittotown  Circuit  —  The  rrcochcr— Tho  TaHtor  — Slnicou  Lamb. 

In  the  spring  of  1820,  the  young  tanner  was  admitted 
on  trial  in  the  New- York  Conference^  and  appointed 
to  Leyden  Circuit,  in  the  State  of  Massachusetts.  A 
vast  extent  of  territory,  which  is  now  divided  into 
several  conferences,  was  then  included  in  the  one 
above  named.  Tlev.  J.  J.  Matthias  was  the  preacher 
in  charge,  of  whom  Mr.  Clark  used  to  speak  in  later 
years,  in  terms  of  strong  commendation,  as  a  man,  a 
preaclier,  and  an  administrator.  Of  the  laboi-a  and 
acceptability  of  the  young  preacher,  not  much  is 
now  known ;  but  tho  writer  well  remembers  some  of 
liis  allusions  to  that  early  field,  in  relation  to  enjoy- 
ment, toils,  and  successes.  Tlie  ministers  of  that  day 
were  emphatically  laborers;  their  rides  were  long, 
their  preaching  places  many,  and  their  fare  often 
indifferent,  at  least.  In  the  middle  of  the  year  Mr. 
Clark  was  removed  to  Saratoga,  to  fill  a  vacancy ; 


86 


LIFK    OF    UKV.    JOHN  CLAUK. 


I  ''III 


but  tlioro  wns  no  Hpecial  j^ain  to  hlin,  ho  fur  us  lu))or 
nnd  Itnrilship  weru  ooncenitMl,  tor  thu  lutter  circuit 
was  uIho  lur^^c,  and  rc(|uirod  ut^uul  tuiU  unci  privutioiis 
witii  the  other. 

Tlio  coinponHation  wliich  tho  niinistcn*  received 
was  but  a  pittance,  for  they  sehloni  realized  tlieir 
whole  claims.  They  labored^  but  their  hire  was  very 
uncertain  ;  and  our  young  itinerant  found  at  the  end 
of  the  year,  that  his  receii>t8  amounted  to  only  thii'fy 
dollars  I  Yet,  only  a  few  years  since,  when  speaking 
of  those  times,  and  of  his  small  receipts,  he  playfully 
remarked  that  ho  made  quite  a  respcctahle  payment 
on  his  note,  which  he  liad  given  for  a  horse,  saddle, 
and  bridle,  which  ho  had  purchased  on  credit  before 
going  to  his  circuit.  It  ought  ulso  to  be  recorded, 
that  besides  tho  above  sum  in  cash,  ho  received  tho 
following  articles  as  presents :  ono  pair  of  woolen 
.socks,  flannel  for  ono  wrapper,  and  cloth  for  ono  pair 
of  pantaloons  I 

Perhaps  at  this  date,  some  young  oxperimontors  in 
itinerancy  would  regard  such  a  lot  as  extremely 
hard ;  and  such  it  certainly  was.  IJut  tho  times,  tho 
state  of  tho  country  and  of  tho  Church,  demanded 
such  sacrifices ;  and  they  were  cheerfully  made.  Tho 
ministera  fared  as  well  as  many  of  tho  people,  and 
with  such  equality  they  were  satisfied.  But  tho 
times  are  changed,  and  in  most  of  our  work  tho  peo- 
ple are  able  to  give  tho  preacher  better  accommoda- 


i#j 


PRIVATI0N8    OF    TIIK    ITINERANCV.        87 


rcuit 
.tions 

their 
s  very 
\o  ond 

thirty 
caking 

iiy  fully 
aymcnt 

BttcUlC, 

t  before 

Dcordcd, 

ivcd  tlio 
woolen 
one  pair 

enters  in 
ixtremoly 
times,  tlio 
ciuanded 
lade.    The 
pie,  and 
But  tlio 
k  the  peo- 
icommoda- 


30 


tions  and  hotter  «U])port:  and  with  incrouHed  ahility, 
there  is  also  the  dittpoHition  to  render  cointortahlo 
those  who  "labor  in  word  and  doctrine."  Snroly, 
tliofto  who  bore  the  burden  in  tlio  heat  of  the  <luy, 
will  not  grudge  tlieir  souh  in  the  (JoHpel  tlio  Huperior 
conitbrtrt  which  fall  to  their  lot.  Tlio  father,  who 
entered  the  forest,  felled  the  trees,  lived  in  his  log- 
cabin,  and  made  the  wilderness  a  fruitful  Held,  will 
not  regret  thot  his  children  are  dwelling  in  ceiled 
houses,  surrounded  with  the  comforts  and  elegances 
of  life.  But  lot  not  those  children  forget,  nor  nnder- 
value,  the  toils  and  privations  of  their  fathoi's,  by 
which  all  the  refinements  of  their  present  state  wore 
procured.  But,  while  we  rejoice,  "yea,  and  will 
rejoice,"  that  snch  sacrifices  can  no  longer  bo  de- 
manded of  the  ministry,  it  is  f.^ared  that  wo  are  losing 
the  fipirit  of  self-sacrifice,  which  was  so  prominent  a 
trait  in  the  character  of  the  fathers.  Some  yoimg 
preachers  are  inclined  to  stipulate  for  pleasant  places, 
whore  good  congregations  are  already  gathered; 
where  they  will  be  sure  of  their  whole  claims,  and, 
withal,  not  far  from  home.  They  cannot  tra/vel  dt^ 
cidtSj  nor  endure  the  rigors  of  the  North  !  O  breth- 
ren I  have  we  the  »p,rit  of  our  calling  ?  Does  "  the 
love  of  Christ  constrain  us  ?"  Once,  when  a  young 
man  was  called  to  the  holy  work,  ho  could  not  be 
Icej^t  still !  Impelled  by  the  kindled  fire  in  his  own 
soul,  you  would  see  him  wending  his  way  to  some 


« 


P    M 


88 


LIFE    OP    REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


eequeatored,  neglected  place,  wliei  e  a  few  souk  were 
secluded;  and,  without  waiting  for  invitation  or 
license,  he  would  call  them  together  and  pray  for 
them,  and  exhort  them  to  "  flee  from  the  wrath  to 
come."  The  awakened  conscience,  the  heaving 
breast,  the  tearful  eye,  the  penitent  inquiry,  "  "What 
must  I  do  to  be  saved?"  and  the  joyous  shouts  of  the 
converted :  these  were  his  sufficient  rewards.  And, 
while  he  was  regarded  by  happy  converts  as  the 
messenger  of  God,  the  angel  of  mercy  to  them,  the 
Church  "  took  knowledge  of  him  that  he  had  been 
with  Jesus,"  from  whom  he  had  received  his  commis- 
sion. Of  such  young  men  itinerants  wore  made,  and 
they  were  "  the  men  for  the  times."  The  times  still 
demand  just  such  men  1 

In  1821,  Mr.  Clark  labored  on  Montgomery 
Circuit,  which  was  a  large  and  laborious  field, 
including  portions  of  Montgomery',  Fulton,  and  Her- 
kimer Counties,  on  the  north  side  of  the  Mohawk 
River.  Rev.  Samuel  Howe  had  charge  of  the 
circuit,  who  yet  lives,  and  rejoices  in  that  Gospel 
which  he  has  so  long  preached  to  others.  He 
entered  the  traveling  connection  in  1801 ;  and  though 
he  has  been  on  the  worn-out  list  for  several  years, 
yet  he  often  preaches  the  word  with  great  comfort 
to  himself  and  profit  to  others.  From  this  aged 
minister  it  is  ascertained  thiit  our  youthful  itinerant 
was  a  very  good  and  acceptable  minister,  of  a  fine 


HIS   PULPIT   PERFORMANCES. 


80 


were 
n    or 
tyfor 
itli  to 
saving 
What 
of  tlio 
And, 
as  the 
sm,  the 
td  been 
jommis- 
ide,  and 
nes  still 

tgomery 
field, 
,nd  Her- 
Kohawk 
of  the 
Gospel 

fcrs.     He 
d  though 
vfX  years, 
comfort 
this  aged 
itinerant 
of  a  fine 


spirit,  cheerful,  lively,  energetic,  and  useful.  Indeed, 
there  were  times  when  ho  preached  with  a  power 
which  was  both  astonishing  and  overwhelming.  On 
such  occasions  his  language  was  remarkably  appro- 
priate and  beautiful,  full  of  the  spirit  of  poetry  and 
sublimity.  His  voice  was  clear  as  the  sound  of  a 
trumpet,  and  yet  like  the  smoothest,  sweetest  melody, 
and  under  the  most  perfect  control.  His  fine  features 
would  glow  with  the  inspiration  of  his  theme,  and  his 
action  was  marked  by  ease  and  grace.  He  was  then, 
as  he  continue*^  to  be  through  life,  unequal  in  liis 
pulpit  efforts.  In  other  words,  he  was  not  always 
alike ;  for,  though  he  seldom  fell  below  mediocrity, 
yet  his  medium  sermons  were  far  below  those  which 
he  sometimes  delivered.  This  marked  difference 
was  not  traceable,  perhaps,  so  much  to  a  difference 
in  the  degrees  of  preparation,  as  to  the  different 
degrees  of  the  inspiration  which  he  caught  at  the 
time  of  delivering  his  sermons.  Although  he  was 
possessed  of  as  much  self-command  as  most  men,  yet 
his  own  state  of  feeling  caused  as  much  difference  in 
his  performances  as  in  those  of  men  who  are  supposed 
to  be  more  excitable.  And  on  those  occasions,  when 
his  powers  were  fully  roused,  it  appeared  as  if  time, 
circumstances,  and  place,  were  all  forgotten,  the 
subject  alone  being  present,  while  the  hearers 
slirunk  with  horror  from  the  view  of  the  awful  con- 
dition Qf  the   lost;    or  viewed  with   rapture  the 


« 


mmm 


40 


LIFE    OP    REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


if    I 


\ 


•^ 


opening  glories  of  the  homo  of  Haints,  as  tho 
preaehei'  brought  tho  ono  or  Iho  other  within  tho 
I'ango  of  their  vision. 

Under  tho  hihors  of  ihcao  niiniatcra  tho  Lord 
revived  Ida  work,  and  tliero  was  considerable 
addition  to  tho  numbers  in  socieiy.  It  was  on 
this  circuit  that  Mr.  CUirk  became  acquainted  wi'^h 
Miss  Sarah  M.  Footc,  a  pious  young  hidy,  who  after- 
ward l)ecame  his  comi)anion  for  life — tlio  sharer  of  his 
toils'  and  perils,  his  joys  and  griefs,  and  who  yet  li  •'^n 
to  mourn,  in  widowhood,  tho  loss  of  him  with  whom, 
for  so  many  years,  she  trod  life's  weary  pilgrin)ago. 

Eliaha  Footo,  tho  father  of  Mrs.  Clark,  removed 
from  Farmington,  Connocticut,  to  Northampton, 
New- York,  in  1796.  At  that  time  there  was  not  a 
single  Methodist  in  the  town,  and  but  two  persons 
who  professed  religion.  Mrs.  Footo  had  united  with 
tho  Congrogationalists  in  Connocticut,  ir  1783 ;  but 
became  a  member  of  tho  first  class  which  was  formed 
by  tho  Methodists  in  Northampton.  She  had  a 
brother,  Mr.  Miller,  who  was  a  Methodist  local 
preacher  in  Connecticut,  ho  having  been  converted 
and  licensed  there  after  the  removal  of  his  sister. 
This  brother  visited  them  a  few  year^.  after  they 
came  to  Northampton,  and  preached  several  times  in 
the  vicinity.  In  liis  last  sermon  he  told  the  people 
he  desired  to  "enlist  volimteers  for  King  Jesus;" 
ajid  with  gi-eat  eamestness  inquired,  "  Who  will  go?" 


'•^v; 


! 


tVo 
tlio 

Lord 
!ral)lo 
IB   on 
I  wi^H 
,  ai'tcv- 

.  of  Ivi'  * 
}X  Vi  ""^ 
wlioui, 

nagc. 
eiiiovcd 

[impton, 

IS  not  a 
persons 
;cd  with 
83 ;  but 
Is  formed 
liad  a 
^ist  local 
lonverted 
lis  sister. 
[fter  they 
times  in 
iQ  people 
Jesus ;" 
'will  go?" 


m 


PRAYING    LIKE    SINNERS.  *  41 

Mr.  Footo  was  vorv  muc}i  affected,  and  witli  trem- 
Lling  arose  before  them  all,  and  said,  "  By  tlio  grace 
of  God  assisting  me,  I  will  enlist  in  his  service 
during  life!"  Tliis  was  bearing  the  cross,  for  the  ' 
eyes  of  all  were  upon  him ;  but  his  heart  was  fixed, 
and  ho  was  resolved  to  press  forward. 

The  next  day,  as  his  brother-in-law  was  about 
taking  his  leave,  Mr.  Footo  said,  "  Now,  what  shall  I 
do?"  Mr.  Miller  replied,  "You  must  pray  to  God 
like  a  simier;  and  he  will  convert  your  soul,  and 
make  you  happy.  You  nmst  get  your  neighbors 
together,  and  hold  prayer-meetings  every  week ;  and 
pray  like  sinners,  and  God  will  convert  you  all." 
Mr.  Foote  soon  called  upon  a  neighbor,  who  had 
been  a  professor  in  some  other  place,  but  was  now  a 
backslider,  and  told  him  how  he  felt.  While  open- 
ing his  mind  to  this  neighbor,  another  came  in,  and 
was  awakened;  and  they  desired  the  backslider  to 
pray  for  them.  This  he  .tempted  to  do;  but,  as 
Mr.  Foote  said,  "  he  made  miserable  work  of  it,  for 
his  heart  was  dark  and  cold."  It  was  soon  found 
that  several  more  were  convicted;  and  these,  ac- 
cording to  Mr.  Miller's  directions,  "got  together 
i\^(\  prayed  like  sinners,"  until  God  converted  them 
all.  Not  long  after,  these,  and  as  many  as  "  desired 
to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come,  and  be  saved  from 
their  sins,"  were  formed  into  a  class,  and  Mr.  Foote 
was  appointed  leader. 


% 


42 


LIFE    OF    RKV.    JOHN    CLAHK. 


Mr.  Footo  raised  a  family  of  eleven  children,  all 
of  whom,  with  one  exception,  yet  live ;  and  all  are 
members  of  our  Church  except  one,  who  is  a 
Presbyterian.  All  were  converted  while  under 
twenty-one  years  of  age;  and  all  the  husbands  and 
wives  of  his  children,  save  one,  are  Methodists. 
One  8  n  and  one  son-in-law  are  local  preachers; 
and  twe:  le  grandchildren  belong  to  the  same 
Church:  so  all  his  descendants  may  bo  said  to 
belong  to  the  nobility,  as  they  are  members  of 
the  royal  family. 

Mr.  Foote  has  been  a  class-leader  and  steward 
some  forty  years ;  and  his  house  has  been  the  home 
of  the  preachers,  and  the  place  of  *esort  for  pious 
people,  during  all  that  period.  Mre.  Foote  went  to 
her  reward  in  1853,  after  having  served  the  Lord 
sixty-nine  years.  She  died  in  a  good  old  age,  being 
eighty-nine.    She  lived  well,  and  "  died  in  faith." 

On  the  25th  of  January,  1855,  Mr.  Foote,  at  the 
age  of  ninety  years,  was  "  gathered  to  his  fathers  in 
peace."  His  last  illness  was  protracted  and  painful, 
but  he  bore  it  with  meekness  and  patience.  He  was 
for  many  years  a  living  witness  that  the  "  blood  of 
Jesus  Christ  cleanseth  from  all  sin." 

In  1822  Mr.  Clark  was  ordained  deacon,  by 
Bishop  M'Kendree,  in  the  John-street  Church,  ir 
the  city  of  New- York,  and  appointed  to  Pittstown 
Circuit,  with  the  Rev.  Jacob  Beeman  in  charge. 


CHARACTER    AS    A    PASTOR. 


all 
are 

iS   a 
ndcr 
and 
[lists, 
hers  •, 
same 
id  to 
rs   of 

;e"ward 

)  home 

r  pious 

vent  to 

e  Lord 

),  being 

itli." 

,  at  the 

tliers  in 
painful, 
He  was 
,lood  of 

,con,  by 
Lurch,  ii^ 
>itt8town 
charge. 


^his  veteran  minister  yet  lingers  among  ns  in  age 
and  feebleness,  waiting  for  the  signing  of  his  pass- 
port, that  he  may  go  home  to  dwell  with  Christ. 
Of  him  inquiry  has  been  made  concerning  his  young 
colleague;  and  the  aged  father  delights  in  the 
recollection  of  the  many  amiable  qualities  which 
ho  possessed  for  the  work.  His  sermons  were  full 
of  unction,  partaking  largely  of  the  hortatory  char- 
acter, and  producing  the  effects  which  sermons 
should  always  produce :  they  made  impressions  which 
were  lasting  and  saviig.  But  while  they  were  warm 
and  impressive,  they  were  also  arranged  with  suf- 
ficient care  and  method,  giving  indications,  even  at 
that  early  day,  that  their  author  would  be  called  to 
fill  important  places  in  our  Zion. 

While  preparing  for  the  pulpit,  he  was  also  faithful 
and  diligent  as  a  pastor.  In  his  visits  among  the 
people  there  was  a  happy  blending  of  wisdom  and 
harmlessness.  .  He  would  never  rudely  thrust  the 
subject  of  religion  before  the  people,  nor  pass  the 
time  in  merely  social  intercourse.  Some  ministers 
visit  socially,  and  are  very  pleasant  companions; 
but  do  little  in  the  way  of  aiding  their  people  in  the 
way  to  heaven,  or  inducing  others  to  enter  that  way. 
And  others  make  their  visits  quite  too  professional, 
and  so  fail  to  secure  all  that  is  desirable.  One  of  our 
bishops,  while  speaking  of  this  branch  of  duty,  in  his 
address  to  candidates  for  admission  to  Conference, 


44 


LIFE    OP   REV.    JOHN   CLARK. 


n<^    'I 


advised  tliom  not  to  make  their  visits  wholly  re- 
ligious, but  that  there  be  a  union  of  the  social 
with  the  religious  element.  Ho  would  have  the 
preachera  enter  kindly  into  those  concerns  which 
interest  the  families  which  they  visit,  sympathizing 
with  them  in  their  joys  and  sorrows,  and,  sometimes, 
even  in  their  business  plans  and  cares.  Then  will  the 
visits  be  stripped,  in  part,  of  that  professional  char- 
acter, which  often  hinders  the  effect  of  even  the 
religious  efforts  of  the  pastor.  Tlie  people  should  bo 
made  to  see  that  the  pastor  is  kind  and  sympathizing, 
as  a  man  and  a  neighbor,  as  well  as  faithful  in  his 
duties  as  a  spiritual  shepherd. 

Mr.  Clark  was  endowed  with  pleasing  and  useful 
conversational  powers,  and  could  easily  adapt  himself 
to  all  thj  varieties  of  tastes  and  conditions  which 
characterized  the  people,  and  yet  preserve  with 
sufficient  distinctness  his  ministerial  character.  He 
knew  how  to  "  please  all  men  for  their  good,  to  edifica- 
tion." There  was  considerable  revival  on  the  circuit ; 
and  his  colleague  insists  on  giving  him  a  full  share  of 
credit  as  a  promoter  of  the  work. 

While  in  this  field  of  labor,  Mr.  Clark  lived  in  the 
family  of  Mr.  Simeon  Lamb,*  a  prominent  member 

°  Since  the  above  was  'written,  Brother  Lamb  has  joined  the  Church 
triumphant.  He  died  in  the  city  of  Troy,  N.  Y.,  March  12, 1866,  "  in 
a  good  old  age."  When  his  will  shall  be  probated,  it  will,  probably, 
be  seen  that  some  of  the  beneyolent  institutions  of  the  day  have 
been  well  remembered. 


TESTIMONIALS    OF    C  I[  Alt  ACTEll. 


46 


of  the  Church,  who  yet  lives  to  do  good,  by  honoring 
the  Lord  with  his  substance.  Tliis  man  had  the  best 
opportunity  to  know  the  young  preacher,  and  it  is 
refreshing  to  witness  tUe  delight  with  which  ho 
speaks  of  him  as  he  then  was — always  amiable,  social, 
and  happy :  a  pious  young  man,  a  faithful  pastor,  and 
a  preacher  of  more  than  ordinary  promise.  Indeed, 
he  speaks  of  him  as  he  might  be  expected  to  speak 
of  a  beloved  son  who  had  gone  away  to  heaven.  It  is 
evidence  strongly  in  favor  of  the  youthful  preacher, 
that  his  colleague  and  his  host,  after  the  vicissitudes 
and  forgettings  of  thirty-four  years,  retain  such  vivid, 
fresh,  and  glad  remembrances  of  their  long-past  in- 
tercourse. 


•r 


r 


I  < 


46 


LIFE    OF    BEY.    JOHN    CLABK. 


«l 


CHAPTER   IV. 

FROM  1828  TO  1827. 

Warron  Circuit  —  His  Marriage  —  Bcucflls  of  Circuits  —  Glenn's  Fnllrt  and 
Samly  Hill  —  Knox  Cutap-nicctinf?  —  Mr.  Clark'H  Sermon  —  EtTcctw  pro- 
duced—MiiUUcbury  Station  — Its  Position  —  College  and  Alumni  — 
Mr.  Clark's  Usul'ulucss  —  His  Quulillcatious  —  Divers  Gills  cfiuully 
ncccMsary. 

In  1823  Mr.  Clark  was  placed  in  charge  of  AVarron 
Circuit.  lie  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Sarah 
M.  Foote,  at  her  father's  house  in  Northampton,  on 
the  14th  of  January  preceding,  but  had  not  com- 
menced housekeeping  until  they  reached  this  circuit. 
Here  he  labored  one  year,  and  then  was  appointed 
to  Sandy  Hill  and  Glenn's  Falls  Circuit,  where  he  re- 
mained two  years. 

The  compiler  has  endeavored  to  collect  some  in- 
formation concerning  the  labors  of  Mr.  Clark  on 
those  fields ;  but  the  lapse  of  time,  together  with  the 
extensive  changes  which  have  occurred  through  all 
those  regions,  have  rendered  the  efforts  fruitless,  ex- 
cepting so  far  as  generalities  will  serve  the  purpose.  It 
is  ascertained  that  there  was  some  revival  on  the  first- 
named  circuit ;  that  all  the  interests  of  the  Church 
were  faithfully  cared  for  and  promoted ;  and  that  he 


DKNKFITS    OP    CIRCUITS. 


47 


,  Fftllrt  and       « 
JllTcctH  pro- 
Alumnl  — 


Warron 
iss  Savali 
ipton,  on 
lot  com- 
ia  circuit, 
ippointed 
ere  lio  ra- 

some  ill- 
Clark  on 
r  witli  the 
iroiigli  all 
uitle98,  ex- 
irpose.    It 
m  the  first- 
he  Church 
nd  that  he 


'-i' 


was  a  very  accoptublo  and  able  preaclior.   Tlio  exact 
report  is,  "  ho  was  a  very  popular  prcachei*." 

Uii<ler  our  fonner,  or  circuit  an'angoment,  a  young 
man  was  seldom  placed  in  charge  until  he  had  served  . 
some  yeare  in  the  capacity  of  a  junior.  13ut  in  the 
older  portions  of  our  work,  the  station  system  prevails 
to  such  an  extent,  that  almost  every  preacher  must 
be  alone,  and,  of  course,  in  charge.  This  is  a  serious 
evil,  both  as  it  relates  to  the  ^ilace  and  the  preacher; 
but,  perhaps,  it  is  wise  on  the  whole.  Mr.  Clark  had 
the  advantage  of  being  free  from  the  responsibilities 
of  administration  during  three  yeara  of  his  itinerancy ; 
and  having  men  of  age  and  experience  as  his  seniors, 
he  was  enabled  to  see  the  workings  of  our  '  ystem, 
and  so  learn  to  work  it  himself;  and  with  the  knowl- 
edge thns  gained,  ho  became  an  able  expounder  and 
skillful  administrator  of  our  Discipline. 

The  latter  circuit  was  organized  in  1824,  the  year 
of  Mr.  Clark's  appointment  thereto;  and,  conse- 
quently, the  number  of  members  at  the  time  of  his 
arrival  cannot  now  be  ascertained ;  but  he  reported 
at  the  end  of  his  first  year,  one  hundred  and  seven- 
teen ;  and  at  the  next  conference,  one  hundred  and 
seventy-four,  being  a  net  gain  of  fifty-sevon.  As 
evidence  of  his  talents  and  comp'^tence,  I  insert  an 
extract  from  a  letter,  written  by  Rev.  Joseph  Eames, 
a  member  of  the  Troy  Conference,  who  describes 
what  he  saw  and  heard.    The  date  of  the  incident 


48 


0  -     l>L  • 

LIFE    OF    IIKV.    JOHN    Cl.ABK. 


'     f 


>;i 


shows  that  it  occurred  during  Mr.  Clurk'B  first  year 
on  Sandy  Ilill  and  Glenn'«  FallH  Circuit.  Mr.  Karnes 
says : 

"  The  iinprosHions  which  lun  preaching?  made  upon 
my  mind  wore  of  the  most  delightful  character.  Tiio 
sound  of  his  voice  was  melodious  ;  and  there  seemed 
to  bo  a  spirit  of  poetry  in  his  langunfife,  as  well  as 
music  in  his  voice.  His  appearance,  his  countenance, 
his  voice,  his  language,  and  his  theme,  all  combined 
to  render  his  discourses  truly  eloquent,  and  some- 
times thrillingly  so.  But  when,  added  to  all  these, 
ho  received  the  unction  from  above,  and  preached 
*  with  the  Holy  Ghost  sent  down  from  heaven,'  they 
were  sometimes  overwhelming!  Tliero  is  one  such 
scene  that  I  witnessed,  that  will  never  be  forgotten 
by  me  while  memory  lasts,  and  I  presume  it  will  bo 
remembered  by  hundreds  in  eternity. 

"  This  occurred  at  a  camp-meeting  in  the  town  of 
Knox,  Albany  County,  N.  Y.,  I  think  in  1824.  Tlie 
meeting  was  commenced  on  Monday,  a.  J  closed  on 
Saturday  morning.  On  Friday  evening  Brother  Clark 
preached  the  last  sermon.  Tlie  meeting  had  pro- 
gressed tolerably  well  up  to  that  time.  Many  mem- 
bers of  the  Church  had  been  quickened  in  the  Divine 
life;  some  were  wholly  sanctified;  backsliders  were 
reclaimed,  and  a  few  sinners  had  been  converted : 
but  there  had  been  no  general  outpoui'ing  of  the 
Holy  Spirit. 


I 


■-  c 


CAMI'-MUKTINO    HKUMON. 


49 


irHt  year 
r.  Kamos 

i(\o  \ipon 
ter.    The 

0  Bceiuod 
iiB  well  lis 
lutcnance, 
coml)ined 
im\  Bonic- 
)  all  these, 

1  prcacUod 
ivon,'  tlioy 
18  one  such 
e  forgotten 
3  it  will  bo 

10  town  of 
1824.    Tlie 
\  closed  on 
rother  Clark 
g  had  pro- 
tf  any  meni- 
the  Divine 
Lsliders  were 
1  converted: 
lu-ing  of  the 


n 


r 


"  nrotbor  Clark's  text  wnn,  Doutoronomy  xxxlii,  29: 
'Ilnppy  art  thou,  O  Inrael;  who  18  like  unto  thoe,  O 
])coplo  Huvod  hy  the  LordU'  Subject:  Tlio  people  of 
(iod,  and  their  Imppinoss.  The  sermon  was  symmet- 
rical and  beautiful ;  but  ho  wont  through  his  subject 
with  something  loss  than  his  usual  liberty.  lie  then 
took  up  the  other  side  by  way  of  contrast,  and  began 
to  portray  the  misery  of  the  wicked.  Hero  the  inspi- 
ration came  upon  him,  and  the  Spirit  was  poured 
u])on  the  congregation  about  the  same  time.  It 
Boemod  as  if  the  pit  of  woo  was  uncapped,  and  the 
sinner  saw  himself  just  dropping  in;  while  Christians 
saw  their  impenitent  friends  plunging,  to  rise  no 
more  forever  1  I  was  near  the  stand ;  one  fell  on  my 
right  hand,  another  on  my  left ;  and  in  a  few  mo- 
ments scores  had  fallen  in  the  congregation.  The 
cries  and  groans  of  the  awakened,  and  the  players  of 
Christians  commingled,  was  liko  the  rushing  of 
mighty  waters ;  but  the  voice  of  the  speaker  could 
be  hoard  distinctly  above  it  all,  as  clear  and  shrill  as 
the  sound  of  a  trumpet,  for  the  space  of  fifteen  min- 
utes. He  then  gave  way,  and  the  meeting  continued 
during  the  remainder  of  the  night. 

"Whien  the  morning  came,  and  the  people  col- 
lected before  the  stand  to  leave  their  testimony  for 
the  Lord,  it  was  ascertained  that  about  fifty  had 
found  the  Saviour,  as  the  result  of  the  exercises  of 
the  preceding  night.     O,  it  was  a  melting  scene 


il 


r  I 


ftO 


LIFE    OF    KKV.    JOHN    CLABK, 


to  Leliold  tho  grocti:if^  of  parontn  nnil  children, 
brother  niul  Hlstors,  IVieiulH  and  neighbors,  who  had 
])Cou  brought  into  tlio  t'atnily  of  (iodi  Wo  couKl 
only  oxclaiiii,  with  heartfelt  gratitude,  'Tliin  is  tho 
Lord'tt  doing,  and  it  iH  luarvelous  in  our  eyoH!'" 

Such  wore  tho  ctt'ectH  produced  by  hid  preach- 
ing at  tiniOH.  But  it  iH  not  pretondod  that  ho 
always,  or  often,  prcaclied  with  equal  power.  On 
Bonio  other  occawions  ho  showed  hiniHolf  equally 
Btn»ng,  OS  nuiy  bo  Been  on  future  pages.  But  there 
ifl  no  man  who  can  always  thus  excel.  Theso  are, 
and  must  be,  the  exceptions  with  all  ministers;  yet 
it  may  be  true,  that  if  wc  lived  nearer  the  J  »*d, 
wo  should  bo  favored  more  frequently  with  h 
supernatural  power.  Tlion  it  would  more  generally 
bo  said  by  the  hearers,  The  Spirit  of  tho  Lord 
camo  upon  tho  preacher. 

Mr.  Clark's  next  Held  of  labor  was  Middlobury, 
Vermont,  a  thriving  village  at  tho  Falls  of  Otter 
Creek,  in  Addison  County.  It  is  tlie  county  seat, 
and  the  site  of  a  flourishing  college,  where  many 
of  the  strong  men,  both  in  Church  and  State,  re- 
ceived their  education.  It  was  the  Alma  Mater  of 
Silas  "Wright,  tho  statesman,  once  governor  of  tho 
Empire  State ;  of  William  Slade,  many  years  in  tho 
Congress  of  the  Uniied  States,  and  Governor  of  Ver- 
mont ;  of  Amos  Lawrence,  the  well-known  Christian 
merchant-prince  of  Massachusetts;  and  of  Stephen 


*'! 


XiADOKH    AT    M  I  DDL  K  II  L' U  V. 


61 


who  liftd 
>Vo  could 

liU  i»  the  j 

itt  prcacU- 
d  that  ho 
owor.  On 
olf  equally 

Uvit  tUcro 

TUeBO  arc, 
luitttcrs;  yot 
sr  tlio  T   '•<i> 
yr  witli         h 
pro  gononUly 
of  tlio   Lord 

Mkldlebury, 
'alls  of  Ottov 
county  seat, 
^hore  many 
and  State,  re- 
Ima  Mater  of 
,vernor  of  tlio 
,v  years  in  the 
vernor  of  Vcr- 
lown  Christian 
lid  of  Stephen 


Olin,  1).  D.,  the  ripe  ncholur,  and  tho  j^ood  and 
^leat  minister,  n'lio  ha<l  lew  eciUuU,  and,  jjerliaps, 
no  MU])orior  either  in  Church  or  IState.  A  hont  of 
lionored  nainoH  might  l)e  mentioned  who  have  f^ouo 
fortli  from  that  institution  to  act  their  parts  on  tlio 
great  stage  of  life. 

Methodism  was  established  hero  at  an  early  dato 
in  tiie  liistory  of  tlio  denomination  in  that  state,  and, 
in  some  respects,  it  has  rotainetl  its  distinctiveness 
to  a  greater  extent  than  in  most  places  in  tho 
Mountain  State.  It  -was  in  that  village  that  tho 
writer  first  found  himself  in  a  Mctliodist  meeting. 
This  occurred  when  ho  was  a  little  lad,  and  tho 
hearty  and  frequent  responses  of  tho  people,  during 
tho  prayers  and  the  sermon,  excited  his  wonder. 
Little  did  he  then  think  that  later  years  would  find 
him  standing  in  tho  pulpit  in  that  place,  or  joining 
with  that  people  in  their  love-foasts,  and  at  tho 
table  of  tho  Lord. 

The  labors  of  Mr.  Clark  in  that  station  wore 
highly  esteemed,  and  quite  successful.  As  appears 
from  tho  General  Minutes,  ho  found  in  society  one 
hundred  and  twenty-six,  and  left  ono  hundred  and 
eighty-two  members.  His  congregations  were  largo, 
and  included  a  fair  share  of  the  cultivated  and  in- 
tellectual. Indeed,  his  ministry  contributed  much 
to  place  Methodism  on  comparatively  high  ground 
in  that  community,  a  position  which  it  has  over 


Ill 


mmm 


aMw 


I. 


■r 


62 


LIFE    or    BEY.    JOHN    CLARK. 


since  retained.  As  a  pastor,  he  was  regarded  as  a 
model,  both  In  faithfulness  and  adaptation.  One 
who  knew  him  well,  says,  "  Ho  was  the  most  inde- 
fatigable pastor  I  ever  knew."  He  labored  "in 
season  and  out  of  season,"  and  his  labor  was  "  not 
in  vain  in  the  Lord." 

Among  those  who  were  brought  to  Chrisc  under 
his  ministry,  are  two  who  are  members  of  the  Tj'oy 
Conference,  and  many  who  are  members  of  the 
Church  in  various  places,  with  some  who  yet  reside 
in  the  place  of  their  second  birth,  and  many  who 
arrived  in  heaven  in  advance  of  himself.  Under 
his  administration  the  cause  of  God  and  of  Mei;hod- 
ism  advanced  very  materially,  both  with  regard  to 
finances  and  spirituality.  Being  faithful  in  his  care 
of  all  the  interests  of  the  Church,  he  had  the  satis- 
faction of  seeing  all  its  departments  flourish.  His 
financial  talents  were  soldom  surpassed,  and  it  was 
difficult  for  any  Church  under  his  care  to  decline 
in  this  department. 

In  conducting  social  meetings  he  was  always  very 
successful,  xiis  manner  was  easy  and  pleasing,  his 
spirit  mild  and  sweet,  and  the  constraint  and  em- 
barrassment which  are  sometimes  felt  by  membei*s 
in  the  presence  of  ministers  was  wholly  removed, 
and  those  meetings  were  rendered  lively  and  profit- 
able. He  was  in  those  da^  s  a  "  sweet  singer,"  and 
he  could  not  only  join  in  that  delightful  part  of 


■:!0 


I 

I 


:ded  as  a 
on.  Ono 
nost  inde- 
>ored  "in 


was 


u 


not 


jrisc  under 
,f.  the  Ti'oy 
,ers  of  the 
>  yet  reside 

many  who 
elf.     Under 

of  MeLhod- 
th  regard  to 
L  in  his  care 
ad  the  satis- 
ourish.     His 
and  it  was 
L-e  to  dedine 

i  always  very 
pleasing,  his 
aint  and  em- 
■by  members 
oily  removed, 
jly  and  profit- 
,t  singer,"  and 
^htful  part  of 


J 


ft  ■ 


QUALIFICATIONS   AND   USEFULNESS.       68 

worship,  but  could  take  the  lead,  giving  to  it  such 
direction  as  he  pleased. 

"With  his  vigor  of  body  and  mind,  joined  to  his 
habitual  industry,  he  must  work  for  Christ  and  the 
Church ;  and  with  his  naturally  cheerful  heart,  made 
happy  by  the  love  of  God,  ho  could  not  fail  to 
secure  the  esteem  and  friendship  of  all  who  knew 
him.  His  popular  talents  drew  goodly  numbers  to 
his  ministry,  and  his  ardent  piety  led  precious  souls 
to  his  Saviour  and  theii*8.  Though  some  men  who 
have  labored  in  that  station  have  seen  more 
extensive  revivals,  it  is  doubted  whether  any  minis- 
ter ever  contributed  more  toward  the  stability  and 
future  prosperity  of  the  cause.  To  establish  Chris- 
tians in  the  faith,  to  instruct  them  in  righteousness, 
to  train  them  for  action  in  the  great  contest  with 
the  powers  of  darkness,  are  very  important  parts  of 
ministerial  duty.  And  he  who  is  skilled  and  faith- 
ful in  this  varied  work,  is  rendering  as  important 
service  to  the  Church,  as  is  he  who  brings  the 
new-born  babes  and  commits  them  to  her  care. 
"While  one  is  eminently  successful  in  awakening 
sinners  and  leading  them  to  repentance,  let  him 
not  despise  his  brother  who  trains  them  for  duty 
and  usefulness.  And  let  not  him  who  is  mostly 
employed  in  this  latter  work,  envy  his  brother  who 
is  more  skilled  in  the  former.  "Every  man  shall 
receive  his  own  reward  according  to  his  own  labor." 


■-  '--i-j —  'wma^mmm 


LIFE    OP    REV.   JOHN   CLARK. 


CIIAPTEE  Y. 

PLATTSBURGH    DISTRICT. 

Erroneous  Viovs  of  the  Nortli — Extracts  from  Dixon's  Tour — Tho 
Writer's  pcrsoral  Knowlcdf^o  of  that  llejrion — Mr.  Clark's  Youth  us 
Presiding  Elder — His  Qualifications — Tho  Times  and  their  Influence 
— Effects  of  his  Preaching—  Tlio  Angry  Deacon — Mr.  Clark  vividly 
remembered — His  Success  at  Quarterly  and  Camp  Meetings — Hlus- 
tration — A  curious  Incident — Mr.  Clark  in  tho  Bishop's  Council  — 
Encounters  an  old  Presiding  Elder — Death  of  his  only  Child — His 
Resignation— Now- York  City — His  Character  as  a  Man,  a  Christian, 
and  a  Mhiister. 


To  this  interesting  and  responsible  field  Mr.  Clark 
was  appointed  in  1828,  where  he  remained  three 
years.  It  included  much  more  territory  than  is 
embraced  in  its  present  limits,  extending  into  Ver- 
mont so  as  to  include  all  of  Grand  Isle,  Franklin, 
La  Moile,  and  large  parts  of  Chittenden  and  Wash- 
ington Counties,  besides  all  which  is  now  known  as 
Plattsburgh  District.  Some,  and  perhaps  many, 
who  have  little  or  no  acquaintance  with  that  sec- 
•  tion,  almost  suppose  it  to  be  the  region  of  perpetual 
frost,  and  think  an  appointment  to  any  of  its  cir- 
cuits or  stations  next  of  kin  to  banishment  to  Siberia. 
This  fact  induces  me  to  transcribf)  a  few  sentences 
from  Dr.  Dixon's  "  Tour  in  America." 


.-■*-- 


» ♦' 


DESCRIPTION   OF    PLATTSBURGH. 


65 


% 


¥ 


n'B  Tour— Tho 
lark's  Youth  ua 
I  their  Influenco 
[r.  Clark  vividly 
Meetings— W"9- 
diop'8  Council  — 
only  Child— His 
yian,  a  Christian, 


d  Mr.  Clark 
nained  three 
tory  than  is 
ing  into  Ver- 
sle,  Franklin, 
in  and  'W^ash- 
low  known  as 
erhaps  many, 
with  that  sec- 
n  of  perpetual 
any  of  its  cir- 
lent  to  Siberia, 
few  sentences 


"  "Wo  crossed  tho  St.  Lawrence,  and  soon  entered 
Lake  Chainplain Tliis  is,  unquestion- 
ably, the  finest  lake  I  had  seen.  Tlie  scenery  on  its 
banks  is  perfectly  enchanting;  and,  unlike  Lakes 
Erie  and  Ontario,  it  commands  a  view  of  mountain 
scenery  of  the  most  majestic  description.  Tliis  lake 
is  one  hundred  and  thirty-two  miles  in  length,  and 
varies  in  breadth  from  the  narrow  channel  to  nine 
or  ten  miles.  Many  beautiful  islands  stud  the  waters 
with  fine  effect.  At  the  close  of  tho  day  we  ap- 
proached a  place  called  Plattsburgh.  Tlie  scenery 
was  the  most  beautifully  romantic  which  nature  can 
possibly  present.  A  blue  sky,  deep,  lofty,  stretch- 
ing its  heavenly  arch  to  span  the  landscape;  the 
sun,  setting  in  all  its  gorgeous  glory;  the  lake, 
smooth  as  glass,  except  as  disturbed  by  our  motion ; 
wild  fowl  fluttering  about  ai  ''njoying  the  cool 
evening;  the  majestic  mountaMis  of  Vermont  loom- 
ing in  the  distance,  and  all  the  intermediate  space 
filled  with  cultivated  fields  and  towering  forests; 
and  the  lovely  little  town  of  Plattsburgh,  touching 
the  fringe  of  the  lake,  and  presenting  the  most  p<^r- 
fect  aspect  of  rural  pc^ace  and  quiet  on  which  the 
eye  ever  gazed!  My  manliness  was  here,  for  the 
first  time,  overcome :  I  longed  and  longed  to  get  on 
shore,  to  fix  my  tent  and  remain  forever  I  This 
sentiment  was  new:  T  had  never  before  felt  any 
remarkable  desire  to  locate  in  any  place  I  had 


-•A. 


>^v.. 


-f-.tj'*''^'''-' 


ulMMMiiMd 


56 


LIFE    OP   REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


n    ! 


seen ;  but  here,  for  a  moment,  I  was  perfectly  over- 
come. Other  aflections,  of  course,  soon  -prung  up, 
and  wafted  my  soul  across  the  Atlantic,  where 
treasures  dearer  than  even  tliese  beauties  had  their 
dwelling.  During  this  little  paroxysm,  delirium, 
or  whatever  it  may  be  called,  my  kind  companion. 
Dr.  Eichey,  had  retired  to  his  cabin,  so  thai  one 
of  my  wants  could  not  be  denied  a  vent  for  excla- 
mations of  delight!  This  was  just  one  of  those 
moments  which  never  can  be  forgotten;  an  Eden, 
a  paradisiacal  scene,  into  which  none  can  enter 
with  OLio,  and  which  leaves  its  picture  vividly  pen- 
ciled on  the  soul." 

Such  is  the  description,  and  such  were  the  emo- 
tions, of  a  disinterested  witness,  who  h^d  seen  much 
of  our  own  country  and  of  the  world;  and  who, 
had  he  passed  the  remainder  of  his  voyage  on  that 
lake  by  daylight  tv^onld  have  seen  more  than  one 
spot  of  equal  loveliness.  The  valley  of  that  beauti 
ful  lake  contains  as  many  delightful  localities  and 
desirable  appointmonts  as  any  other  portion  of  our 
work ;  and  the  writer  claims  to  know,  for  he  traveled 
in  that  valley  during  as  many  years  as  Jacob  served 
for  both  his  wives.  In  no  part  of  the  world  are  people 
-more  enterprising,  intelligent,  or  refined.  Such  was 
the  district  to  which  Mr.  Clark  was  appointed,  and 
such  the  village  of  Plattsvillo,  where  he  resided. 

He  was  a  yoimg  man  to  be  put  in  trust,  and 


■■■*"•. 


MADE    PRESIDING    ELDER. 


67 


;tly  over- 

•rung  ^Vi 
c,  where 
had  their 

delirmtn? 
ompanion, 

that  one 
for  excla- 
3  of  those 
an  Eden, 
can  enter 
ividly  pen- 
re  the  enio- 
i  seen  much 
and  who, 
rage  on  that 
,re  than  one 
that  beauti 
ocalities  and 
riion  of  our 
)!•  he  traveled 
Jacob  served 
rid  are  people 
a.    Snch  was 
ppointed,  and 
le  resided, 
in  trust,  and 


1 


laden  with  responsibilities  to  such  an  extent,  tor  ho 
was  not  quite  thirty-one  yeare  old.  Ilis  appoint- 
ment to  such  a  charge  is  the  best  evidence  that  ho 
had  acquitted  himself  well  in  his  former  charges; 
and  the  manner  in  which  h.<^  perfonned  his  duties, 
and  met  Lis  responsibilities  on  the  district,  proves 
the  wisdom  of  the  bishop  who  selected  him  for  the 
work.  The  writer,  as  stated  above,  traveled  in  that 
region  fourteen  yeara,  eleven  of  which  were  passed 
within  the  bounds  of  that  district  as  it  was;  and 
ho  is  sure  that  no  man  ever  occupied  that  field  who 
made  so  deep  and  lasting  an  impression  fDr  good 
as  did  that  young  presiding  elder.  Youth  and 
manhood  seemed  to  meet  just  at  that  point,  and 
to  contribute,  each  its  share,  toward  qualifying 
him  for  the  position.  During  eight  years  ho  had 
been  improving  his  mind,  and  acquainting  him- 
self with  the  theory  and  the  practical  workings  of 
Methodism;  and  he  brought  with  him  to  the  dis- 
trict all  that  he  had  learned,  and  joining  this  rich 
endowment  of  experience,  observation,  and  study, 
with  the  freshness,  the  vigor,  and  fire  of  his  young 
manhood,  he  was  every  way  qualified  for  his  work. 
No  man  ever  more  fully  complied  with  St.  Paul's 
I  advice  to  Timothy,  "  Let  no  man  despise  thy  youth." 
The  times  were  favorable  for  calling  into  exer- 
cise his  energies  and  resources;  for  those  were  the 
days  of  large   circuits,   great  quarterly  meetings, 


m 


'l|   "^IIT 


58 


\: 


THE    LIFE    OP    REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


and  camp-mcctings  like  the  populations  of  cities; 
and  those  were  calculated  to  exert  an  inspiring 
influence  upon  him  who  presided  over  them.  These 
influences  were  not  lost  upon  Mr.  Clark,  for  ho 
made  his  visitations  and  performed  his  ministra- 
tions "  in  the  power  of  the  Spirit."  In  every  circuit 
which  the  writer  traveled  in  that  district,  the  name 
of  John  Clark  was  as  "ointment  poured  forth." 
His  sermons  were  remembered  as  the  richest  and 
the  most  overwhelming  that  the  people  ever  heard. 
While  preaching  in  a  certain  place  on,  "When 
ye  shall  see  Abraham,  and  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  and 
all  the  prophets  in  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  you 
yourselves  thrust  out,"  the  people  were  all  pmazed, 
and  some  will  insist  to  this  day  that  the  house 
literally  shook  I  No  doubt  there  was  a  shaking  of 
the  peoj>le,  for  many  were  convinced  of  sin,  and 
made  haste  to  "flee  from  the  wrath  to  come." 

At  a  certain  quarterly  meeting,  held  in  a  union 
meeting-house,  a  prominent  member  and  officer  in 
the  Church,  who  was  a  partner  in  the  house, 
claimed  the  right  to  attend  the  love-feast.  lie 
owned  a  pew,  and  his  Church  was  joint-owner  of 
the  house,  and,  therefore,  he  had  the  right  to  inter- 
fere with  the  Methodist  arrangement  on  the  days 
when  the  occupancy  of  the  house  was  theirs  I  Such 
was  his  strange  logic,  and  many  others  are  equally 
foolish  on  the  same  subject.     But  he  was  denied 


3  of  cities; 
n  inspiring 
lem.    These 
lark,  for  ho 
lis   ministva- 
every  circuit 
ct,  the  name 
Dured  forth." 
a  richest  and 
Q  ever  heard. 
,  on,   "When 
Ld  Jacob,  and 
God,  and  yon 
re  all  omazed, 
hat  the  house 
3  a  shaking  of 
ed  of  sin,  and 
,0  come." 
eld  in  a  union 
.  and  officer  in 
in    the    house, 
love-feast.     He 
joint-owner  of 
right  to  inter- 
.nt  on  the  days 
as  theirs  I    Such 
hers  are  equally 
he  was  denied 


THE   ANGRY   DEACON.  fi 

admittance  under  tlio  rule,  as  was  right  and  proper. 
IIo  was  rather  more  angry  than  a  Christian  shoiild 
liave  been,  and  remained  about  the  door  during 
the  whole  time  of  the  love-feast,  complaining  to 
those  who  lingered  with  him,  and  exciting  them 
against  the  Methodists.  By  this  course  he  had 
excited  himself  also,  and  having  so  long  "nursed 
his  wrath  to  keep  it  warm,"  he  was  in  no  very 
promising  temper  to  profit  by  the  public  exercises. 
But  he  entered  at  the  proper  time  and  took  his 
seat,  looking  very  unhappy,  with  his  chin  on  hia 
breast  and  his  arms  akimbo: 

Soon  after  Mr.  Clark  commenced  his  sermon, 
the  deacon  looked  up,  as  if  somewhat  surprised, 
or,  at  least,  interested;  but  his  upward  look  was 
hurried,  and  he  instantly  resumed  his  former  look 
of  sullen  ill-humor.  But  his  upward  and  interested 
glances  were  observed  to  be  longer  continued,  as 
well  as  more  frequently  repeated;  and  soon  ho 
forgot  his  anger,  and  eveiything  else,  except  the 
word,  and  his  tears  flowed  like  rain  while  ho 
looked  the  preacher  in  the  face,  and  drank  in  the 
truth,  like  a  thirsty  man  drinking  the  cooling  water. 
Truly  the  Gospel  must  have  been  preached  with 
skill  and  force,  to  produce  such  an  effect  upon  one 
so  unprepared  at  the  outset  to  profit  in  the  hearing  I 

The  writer  has  received  a  large  number  of  letters 
from  persons  who  knew  Mr.  Clark  well  on   that 


f^'ftr---^ 


CO 


LIFE    OP   REV.   JOHN    CLARK. 


district;  and  tlio  uniformity  of  expression,  as  well  as 
views,  in  relation  to  his  qualifications,  is  a  little 
remarkable.  The  strong  aft'ection  which  is  cher- 
ished by  many,  both  preachers  and  people,  finds  its 
fitting  expression  in  the  following  extract  from  one 
of  those  letters:  "When  I  received  your  letter  of 
inquiry,  it  brought  to  my  mind  so  many  seasons  of 
interest,  when  liev.  John  Clark  was  in  this  section, 
as  to  be  almost  overpowering."  And  ho  then,  like 
the  othei's  who  have  responded  to  my  inquiries,  gives 
his  recollections  of  the  man,  and  of  his  qualifications 
for  his  position.  From  such  assurances  the  present 
chapter  is  composed. 

Though  young,  there  was  no  man  who  could 
preside  in  a  Quarterly  Conference  with  more  quiet 
dignity,  or  direct  a  camp-meeting  with  greater 
propriety  and  success.  Indeed,  that  man  must  have 
been  very  bold,  or  very  foolish,  or  both,  who  would 
venture  to  get  out  of  order  at  a  camp-meeting 
where  John  Clark  presided.  Yet  there  was  nothing 
harsh  or  despotic  in  his  manner;  rather  it  was  his 
urbanity,  joined  with  his  promptness,  which  made 
him  so  good  a  presiding  ofiicer. 

The  following  extract  from  a  letter  written  by  one 
who  was  acquainted  with  him  in  those  days,  will 
illustrate  the  above  remarks : 

"  As  a  preacher,  he  was  much  admired  by  the  peo- 
ple ;  and  I  shared  largely  in  this  feeling  of  admiration. 


*^ 


TESTIMONY    TO    IIIS   ABILITIES. 


61 


afl  wcAl  as 
is  a  littlo 
li  is  chcr- 
lo,  finds  its 
t  from  one 
!•  letter  of 

seasons  of 
Jiis  section, 
e  then,  V'ko 
[nirios,  gives 
^nalifications 
;  tlie  present 

L  wlio  could 
1  more  qniet 
with   greater 
Ml  must  have 
h,  who  would 
3amp-meeting 
3  was  nothing 
ler  it  was  his 
which  made 

svritten  by  one 
ose  days,  will 

•ed  hy  the  peo- 
of  admiration. 


h\ 


I 


His  handsome  and  commanding  person,  (he  was 
then  in  his  early  prime,)  Ills  clear  and  nmsical 
voice,  and  his  superior  powers  of  argumentation,  all 
conspired  to  make  him  the  favorite  preacher  of  my 
early  days.  Whenever  he  rose  on  the  stand  at  camp- 
meeting,  to  preach  or  exhort,  I  was  confident  that  an 
impression  would  be  made ;  and  when  in  his  preach- 
ing at  quarterly  meetings  he  grappled  with  any 
popular  error,  as  he  often  did,  I  felt  sure  that  error 
would  sufibr ;  and  I  do  not  recollect  ever  feeling  the 
least  disoppointment  when  he  sat  down. 

"He  was  great  in  conducting  camp-meetings. 
The  precision  and  authority  with  which  he  announced 
his  rules,  and  his  sagacity  and  untiring  vigilance  in 
enforcing  them,  were  remarkable.  He  seemed  to 
know  how  to  counteract  everything  which  was  trans- 
piring on,  or  around  the  gi'ound,  calculated  to  injure 
the  order  and  success  of  the  meeting,  whether  de- 
veloped in  rowdyism,  or  wildfire,  or  in  the  converaa- 
tion  of  pereons  opposed  to  camp-meetings.  An  inci- 
dent will  illustrate : 

"  At  a  camp-meeting  held  at  Enosburgh,  Vermont, 
in  1829,  a  Calvinistic  minister  of  the  place  came 
upon  the  ground  one  afternoon;  and,  just  before 
the  evening  service,  he  met  some  young  persons  of 
his  acquaintance  who  had  been  powerfully  awakened 
during  the  exercises  of  the  day.  They  made  known 
[to  him  their  feelings ;  and  he  gave  them  some  advice, 


LIFE    OF    UEV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


tiliH 


(    * 


taking  caro  to  caution  thorn  againHt  giving  any 
erodit  to  tho  cainp-nioeting  as  an  instrumontulity 
in  their  awakening;  tolling  thorn  that  while  their 
awakening  waa  the  work  of  God,  camp-mootingb 
were  all  wrong. 

"After  tho  evoning  sermon,  Brother  Olark  rose 
very  quietly,  with  his  cloak  upon  his  shoulders,  made 
some  appointments  for  prayer-meetings,  spoke  of  tho 
increasing  interest  of  tho  meeting,  and  then  alluded 
to  the  fact  that  some  object  to  camp-meetings.  Tlio 
moment  ho  struck  this  note  his  cloak  fell  from  his 
shoulders;  and  his  fine  features  and  athletic  frame 
were  instinct  with  emotion  that  did  not  fail  to  com- 
municate itself  to  the  congregation.  He  soon  came 
to  particulars,  and  said  tliat  a  minister,  living  not  a 
thousand  miles  off,  had  been  upon  the  ground  that 
evoning,  telling  some  who  were  awakened,  Hhat 
tho  meeting  had  nothing  to  do  in  producing  their 
feelings ;  God  had  awakened  them,  but  the  meeting 
was  all  wrong.'  He  then  referred  to  the  language 
of  the  Jews  to  the  man  whom  Jesus  had  cured  of 
natural  blindness:  'Give  God  tho  praise;  as  for  this 
man,  wo  know  that  he  is  a  sinner :'  and,  in  the  space 
of  eight  or  ten  minutes,  made  such  an  application  of 
it  to  the  case  in  hand,  as  few  men  but  John  Clark 
could  have  done.  The  poor  min^'ster  was  completely 
used  up;  and  when  the  service  closed  he  vanished 
instanter,  and  was  seen  no  more  at  that  meeting. 


OAMP-MEKTINO    INCIDENT. 


6S 


fivbg  R'^y 

iimontttlity 
wliUe  tlioir 
ip.meeting» 

Clark  roflo 
ildors,  mftde 
Bpoko  of  the 
then  alluded 
jotingB.    Tlio 
fell  from  his 
ithletic  frame 
)t  fail  to  com- 
le  Boon  came 
p,  living  not  a 
le  ground  that 
wakened,  Hhat 
reducing  their 
it  the  meeting 
)  the  language 
J  had  cured  of 
use;  asforthi^ 
id,  in  the  space 
1  application  of 
but  John  Clark 
^as  completely 
jed  he  vanished 
tt  that  meeting. 


All  folt  that  the  rebuke  was  just;  and  that  if  any  one 
undortook  to  operate  againat  one  of  John  Clurk'u 
moetingH,  however  privately,  he  must  look  out, '  lest 
his  deeds  should  be  reproved.' " 

A   curious  case  occurred  at   one  of  his   camp- 
meetings  :  A  young  man  of  the  name  of  C ,  who 

was  rich  and  wild,  attended  the  meeting.  Having  a 
fine  pair  of  horses  and  a  pleasure  wagon,  he  usually 
brought  with  him  several  of  his  wild  associates ;  and 
they  often  visited  the  tavern  in  the  village,  about  a  mile 
distant  from  the  place  of  meeting.  There  they  indulged 
in  the  use  of  the  fiery  beverage,  of  which  they  wore 
quite  fond,  until  they  chose  to  return  to  the  ground. 
There  was  a  young  minister  in  attendance  who  was 
very  gifted,  and  active  in  the  prayer-meetings,  where 
lie  proved  himself  useful.  Such  meetings  were  often 
held  in  front  of  the  stand,  and  hundreds  would  unite 
in  the  devotions.  The  young  preacher  was  very  neat 
in  his  personal  appearance,  and  wore  a  very  good, 

nicely-fitting  coat.     C told  his  companions  thut 

he  would  cut  oflf  that  preacher's  skirt  in  the  even- 
ing ;  and  they  were  all  ready  to  urge  him  on  to  per- 
;  form  the  feat.    Accordingly,  they  were  in  waiting ; 

I  and  C watched  his  opportunity.    When,  in  the 

i  prayer-meeting,   the  young   man  was  engaged  in 

[prayer   in   the   midst  of  the   ring,   and   oblivious 

to  all  but  the  work  in  which  he  was   employed, 

)ressing  cautiously  through  tiie  crowd  of  kneeling 


64 


LIFK    OF    ULV.    JOHN    CLAUK. 


1 1 1 


i!''l 


worahlpow,  ho  roiichod  hifl  poHitlon.  But  It  woi 
nocessury  to  proccod  with  tho  greatest  caution,  le»t 
Boino  ono  iniglit  chnnco  to  dotuct  him  in  tho  act, 
and  HO  ho  i>artly  knelt  back  to  buck  with  hi^ 
victim.  Taking  out  Wm  knitb,  which  lio  had  mudo 
keen  for  tho  purpoHO,  ho  put  hiu  handn  not'tiy  bohitid 
him,  and  gontly  holding  tho  skirt,  ho  cut  it  otl*. 
Tlion  quietly  creeping  from  tho  circle,  ho  hastened 
to  his  company  at  tho  wagon,  saying,  "  BoyH,  I  have 
done  it ;"  and  they  rode  olf  to  tho  tavern  to  drink 
and    make    merry.     Having   obtained    and   drunk 

tho  inebriating  liquid,  C turned  from  tho  bai, 

and  his  posterior  appearance  arrested  tho  attention 

of  tho   bar-keeper,  who  exclaimed,   "0 ,  they 

have  docked  youl"  And,  sure  enough,  ho  had  his 
own  skirt  carefully  jilaced  in  his  bosom,  while  his 
intended  victim  had  escaped  all  harm.    Tlio  laugh 

was  turned,  of  course ;  and  poor  C heard  not 

the  last  of  it  for  many  years.  But  ho  formed  tho 
resolution  to  refrain  from  mischief  at  camp-meetings ; 
and  many  years  later,  when  he  had  become  a  tee- 
totaler, expressed  his  strong  conviction  that  God 
guided  that  knife. 

Under  Mr.  Clark's  administration  the  work  pros- 
pered in  all  its  departments.  Ilis  example  of  fidelity 
and  energy  was  happy  in  its  effect  upon  the  preach- 
ers; and  his  intercourse  with  them  was  always  of  tho 
most  delightful  and  happy  character.    Ko  common 


" ''». 


HCKNE    IN    TlIK    IIISHOP'fl   COUNCIL.       65 


[^Ut    U   Wfti 
uutioii,  Icftt 

in  tlio  ftct, 
k   with   \n» 
i  had  luttJo 
jot'tly  behind 
5  cut  it  off. 

Ivo  hftBtoued 

BoyH,  I  have 
ion\  to  dviuk 
I  and  drunk 
from  tlio  bai, 

the  attention 

"0 — » *^^®y 

gh,  ho  had  his 
iom,  while  his 
,a.    Tlie  laugh 

heard  not 

ho  formed  the 
;amp-meoting3 ; 
become  a  tee- 
etion  that  God 

the  work  pros- 
,mple  of  fidelity 
ipon  the  preach- 
ras  always  of  the 
>r.    No  common 


ohMtiicle  over  prevented  his  nttendnnco  at  liis  np- 
pointiuonts,  even  though  iio  was  obliged  to  break  tliu 
ice  in  the  La  Muille  Uivor  with  a  rail,  and  so  inuko 
a  way  for  his  liorrte.  Voim^  as  he  was,  he  know 
how  to  provide  for  the  wants  of  his  district,  nnd 
iiiaititain  his  official  rights.  The  first  time  that  he 
took  his  ])lace  in  the  ])iHhoi)'s  Council,  to  nominate 
iniriiHters  for  the  several  c'larges  in  his  district,  he 
encountered  the  Ajax  of  the  Board,  in  the  person  of 
an  old  presiding  elder,  who  had  not  been  accustomed 

to  defeat.    He  nominated  Brother  C for  Platts- 

burgh,  when  the  old  veteran  said,  "You  cannot  have 
him ;  I  want  liim  myself."  A  few  words  of  debate 
followed,  when  the  bishop  proposed  to  pass  Platts- 
burgh  for  the  present.  Tliis  was  done,  and  a  man 
was  put  down  for  another  place.  But  the  time  ar- 
rived when  Plattsburgh  must  be  provided  for,  and 

Mr.  Clark  again  nominated  Brother  C .     Tliia 

brought  the  veteran  to  his  feet ;  and  in  tones  and 
I  terms  of  severity  he  rebuked  the  youthful  presiding 
[elder.  He  said:  "I  have  aided  and  instructed  that 
[boy ;  I  have  furnished  him  with  books,  been  a  father 
|to  him,  and  made  him  all  that  he  is ;  and  this  is  the 
return  for  all  my  kindness."  And  much  more  in  the 
same  strain. 

After  the  old  elder  had  taken  his  seat,  some  time 
)a8sed  in  silence,  when  the  bishop  asked  Mr.  Clark 

he  had  anything  to  say.    He  then  rose,  leaned  over 

5 


t    I 


LIFE    OF    ItEV.    JOHN    CLARK. 

his  chair,  with  his  eyes  fixed  upon  the  floor ;  and  in 
humble  accents,  said,  "Bishop!  all  that  this  aged 
father  has  said  is  true.  He  has  been  a  father  to 
me ;  he  has  made  me  all  that  I  am ;  I  shall  never  bo 
able  to  repay  him."  And  then  standing  erect,  he  added : 
"  But,  sir,  since  you  have  seen  fit  to  put  me  in  my 
present  position,  I  am,  in  the  matter  of  rights,  exactly 
his  equal.  I  know  my  rights,  and  am  prepared  to 
maintain  them ;  and  he  must  not  expect  that  I  will 
attempt  to  cancel  my  obligations  to  him,  by  sacri- 
ficing the  interests  of  my  district."  He  then  gave 
his  reasons  at  length,  for  believing  that  the  best  in- 
terests of  the  whole  work  would  be  subserved  by  the 

appointment  of  Brother  C to  Plattsburgh.     He 

took  his  seat ;   and  the  bishop  said,   "  Put  Brother 

C down  for  Plattsburgh."     For  the  bold  and 

manly  course  taken  by  Mr.  Clark,  he  received  the 
thanks  of  several  of  the  presiding  elders,  who  said 
that  it  was  the  first  time  that  the  old  hero  had  been 
withstood  and  defeated.  It  is  proper  to  remark, 
that  the  aged  father  never  respected  or  esteemed  him 
less  than  before;  for  he  was  a  man  of  both  good 
sense  and  piety,  and  is  now  with  God. 

In  the  midst  of  delightful  labors  and  successes,  Mr. 
Clark  and  his  companion  were  visited  with  affliction 
in  their  pleasant  home.  Their  beloved  little  Mary, 
an  only  child,  of  nearly  four  years,  sickened  and  died. 
When  she  was  attacked  with  disease,  (dysentery,)  he 


DEATH  OF  HIS  ONLY  CHILD. 


67 


)r',  and  in 
thie  aged 
t  father  to 
ai  never  bo 
5t,he  added: 
me  in  ray 
ghta,  exactly- 
prepared  to 
jt  that  I  will 
im,  hy  sacri- 
[e  then  gave 
t  the  heat  in- 
served  by  the 
;tshurgh.     He 
"put  Brother 
the  hold  and 
3  received  the 
[aers,  who  said 
hero  had  been 
jer  to  remark, 
[r  esteemed  him 
of  both  good 


was  absent  at  one  of  his  quarterly  meetings ;  and, 
though  all  had  been  done  that  skill  in  medicine  and 
maternal  affection  could  do,  yet,  on  his  return,  he 
perceived  that  death  would  claim  his  little  darling. 
When  the  spirit  had  fled,  he  closed  the  once  spark- 
ling eyes  with  his  own  hands;  and  then,  request- 
ing the  kind  neighbors  to  be  seated,  he  sung  the 
hymn, 

"  God  moves  in  a  mysterious  way 
His  wonders  to  perform;" 

and  kneeling  down,  he  prayod  in  a  submissive  spirit, 
imploring  "grace  to  help  in  time  of  need."  From 
that  moment  he  was  Divinely  sustained,  and  no  mm*- 
mur  or  complaint  was  ever  uttered. 

In  1831,  his  field  of  labor  was  iPTew-York  city, 
which  was  then  a  circuit,  with  several  preachers. 
The  compiler  has  sought  mformation  from  all  the 
preachers  who  were  on  that  charge,  and  who  are  yet 
alive ;  but  he  has  obtained  only  one  response,  and 
that  from  the  one  who  was  least  acquainted  with  Mr. 
Clark.  He  speaks  well  of  him  in  general  terms,  but 
furnishes  nothing  from  which  I  can  di'aw  so  as  to  an- 
iswer  any  purpose. 


Since  the  foregoing  was  written,  I  have  obtained 
[the  following  from  Francis  Hall,  Esq.,  of  the  Com- 
rdal  Advertiser^  New- York : 


LIFE    OF    REV,    JOUN    CLARK. 


^  *  New-Yoek,  ^cJ.  4<A,  1856. 

Jiev.  and  Dear  Sir, — Your  favor  of  the  80th  ult.  was  duly 
received,  and  I  Imvo  withheld  a  reply  in  the  hope  that  I  might 
bo  able  to  recall  some  facts  that  might  be  alluded  to  in  your 
forthcoming  "Life"  of  our  mutual  friend,  the  late  Eev.  John 
Clark. 

In  view  of  the  valuable  services  rendered  to  the  Church  by  our 
deceased  friend,  I  regret  that  I  have  not  the  means  of  supplying, 
03  it  ought  to  bo,  your  lack  of  information  in  regard  to  Mr. 
Clark's  ministerial  labors  in  this  city.  You  ask  "  for  information 
in  relation  to  him  as  a  man,  a  Christian,  a  pastor."  Having  no 
documents  at  hand  to  refer  to,  I  must,  from  necessity,  be  very 
brief. 

When  stationed  in  New- York  he  was  my  next  neighbor,  and 
as  such  I  highly  esteemed  him.  My  opinion  is,  that,  when  he 
was  removed  from  this  city,  he  left  not  an  enemy  behind,  but 
many  endeared  friends,  whose  friendship  continued  until,  by  a 
mysterious  Providence,  be  was  removed  from  all  uarthly  toil. 

As  a  Christian,  his  daily  walk  evinced  that  he  was  a  man  of 
God,  wholly  devoted  to  his  Master's  service,  and  anxious  for  the 
prosperity  of  the  Church,  of  which  he  was  an  able  minister.  As 
a  preacher,  he  was  sound,  logical,  and  earnest,  aiming  at  the 
good  of  souls  rather  than  oratorical  display.  In  our  social  meet- 
ings he  was  excellent ;  generally  the  life  of  our  praying  circles. 
How  many  will  appear  as  stars  in  his  crown  in  the  great  day  of 
accounts,  no  one  on  earth  can  tell ;  but  those  who  know  him, 
will  bear  testimony  that  the  number  will  not  bo  small. 

As  a  pastor,  he  was  kind  and  affectionate ;  he  was  firm  in  the 
administration  of  discipline,  without  fear  or  partiality.  Some 
may  have  occasionally  believed  him  rigid,  especially  in  regard  to 
attendance  on  class-meetings;  but  our  Brother  Chrk,  as  a  just 
administrator,  was  bound  to  see  that  the  requirements  of  the 
Discipline  were  carried  out. 


■J 


*; 


LETTER    TROM    FRANCIS    HALL. 


69 


lie  wae  always  a  friend  to  the  Missionary  cause ;  and  irty  Im- 
pression is,  that  ho  was  led  to  devote  a  portion  of  his  life  to  tliat 
cause,  by  the  intimacy  which  he  formed  witli  the  Rev.  Peter 
Jones  and  otlier  Indians,  who  were  frequently  at  my  house  while 
Mr.  Clark  was  my  neighbor.  I  think  ho  accompanied  Mr. 
Jones  to  Poughkcepsie  on  one  occasion;  and  their  visit  to  that 
place  gave  a  new  start  to  the  mission  cause  in  that  village  and 
vicinity. 

I  regret  very  ranch  that  my  information  is  of  such  a  brief 
character,  and  that  the  time  is  too  limited  to  allow  of  obtaining 
something  more  satisfactory  t^  you  .md  myself. 

I  am,  my  dear  si'*,  ver)  truly  yours, 

Fkanois  Hall. 


■w^ 


•1^ 


% 


^Sfrr- 


■* 


-nm 


rmmn 


m 


t 


h "' 


m 


70 


LIFE    OF    REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


CHAPTER    VI. 

INDIAN    MISSIONS. 

Mr.  Clark  appointed  to  Green  Bay  Mission— His  Arrival— The  Cholera 
—  Hia  Solicitude  and  Faith — Concern  for  hia  Family— Praying  by 
Book — Illustration — Anecdote  —  Indian  Character  and  Mytholoitry  — 
Studied  under  Diificultica  —  Government  often  (3ppre8sivo  —  Moral 
Capabilities  not  studied  or  aidca — Some  Exceptions  —  Indiana'  Title 
to  the  Country  considered  —  Their  Superstitions  —  General  Love  of 
strong  Drink  —  Torch-light  Carousal  —  Making  a  Woman  of  an  Indian 
— Indian  Eloquence  —  Tccumseh,  Seminole  Chief,  Schonandoah, 
Pushinataha,  Osceola — Indian  Poetry  —  "  Pity  the  Red  Man  " — Letter 
from  George  Henry,  a  native  Speaker. 

In  1832  Mr.  Clark  was  in  the  General  Conference 
which  met  in  Philadelphia.  That  body,  as  is  always 
the  case,  had  a  Committee  on  Missions,  which,  in  its 
report,  recommended  "  The  extension  of  the  Aborig- 
inal Missions  in  our  Western  and  Northwestern 
frontiers."  He  had  for  some  time  been  looking  to 
the  AVest  as  a  field  of  labor  demanding  aid,  and 
promising  an  abundant  harvest.  As  early  as  1829 
he  had  spoken  of  his  desire  to  enter  thut  portion  of 
the  work ;  and  when  reminded  of  the  toils  and  hard- 
ships incident  to  such  a  region,  he  raised  his  right 
hand,  and  said  with  earnestness,  "I  have  an  arm 
that  is  able  to  labor,  and  I  am  ready  for  it." 

The  Indian  Missions  were  those  to  which  his  mind 


iki 


APPOINTED    TO    GREEN    BAY. 


f:^ 


1— Tlio  Cholera 
ly_  Praying  by 
id  Mythology — 
prosBivo— Moral 
—  Indians'  Title 
Joncral  TiOve  of 
man  of  an  Indian 
f,  Schonandoah, 
jd  Man"— Letter 


L  Conference 
,  as  is  always 
which,  in  its 
f  the  Aborig- 
N^orthwestem 
m  looking  to 
ing  aid,  and 
early  as  1829 
lat  portion  of 
oils  and  hard- 
ised  his  right 
have  an  arm 
Ir  it." 
rhich  his  mind 


was  especially  directed  ;  and  after  duo  consideration, 
and  much  prayer,  he  ofterod  himself  to  the  Board  as 
missionaiy  to  Green  Bay,  and  was  accepted.  He 
made  the  necessary  arrangements  without  delay,  and 
proceeded  to  his  new  field  of  labor,  which  he  reached 
on  the  21st  of  July,  1832,  and  entered  upon  his  work 
with  zeal  and  confidence.  His  first  letter  to  the 
Board  is  dated  August  10th,  in  which  he  says : 

"  I  arrived  at  Green  Bay  on  the  2l8t  ultimo,  in  a 
tolerable  state  of  health,  considering  the  scenes  of 
cholera  and  death  which  I  witnessed  on  my  passage 
in  the  vicinity  of  St.  Clair.  But  through  the  abun- 
dant mercy  of  the  great  Head  of  the  Church,  I  was 
preserved  unhurt  in  the  midst  of  all  the  alarm ; 
though  I  felt  sensations  at  the  time  which  you  can 
more  readily  imagine  than  I  can  describe.  I  found 
the  country  in  great  alarm,  both  on  account  of 
cholera  and  from  fear  of  a  visit  from  the  warlike 
Saucs ;  but  all  is  becoming  more  quiet. 

"  I  do  not  design  this  as  a  formal  report,  but  as  a 
mere  note  of  information  to  the  Board,  that  their 
missionary  for  Green  Bay  is  alive,  and  has  entered 
upon  his  work;  and  will.  Providence  permitting, 
forward  a  regular  report  of  his  doings  early  in  Sep- 
tember." 

It  will  be  remembered  that  this  (1832)  was  the 
cholera  year,  and  the  occasion  of  the  first  visit  of 
that  fearful  epidemic  to  this  continent.    Its  ravages 


72 


LIFE    OF  REV.   JOHN    CLARK. 


'!t 


i;;j     ) 


ii" 


wero  appalling.  Physicians  wore  ignorant  of  its  na- 
ture, and  of  tlio  treatment  demanded ;  and  a  panic 
was  almost  universal.  Mr.  Clark  met  with  this  deso- 
lating scourge  on  shipboard  and  sliore,  in  his  journey 
to  his  distant  field.  With  all  his  known  philosophical 
calmness,  he  was  not  without  painful  apprehensions, 
while  the  disease  was  smiting  down  its  victims  botli 
at  Detroit  and  St.  Clair,  as  well  as  on  board  the 
boat  in  which  he  embarked.  lie  had  provided  a 
medicine  chest ;  and,  in  the  absence  of  a  regular  phy- 
sician, he  ventured  to  prescribe  for  cholera  patients 
powerful  doses  of  camphor  spirits  and  laudanum, 
which  he  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  productive 
of  the  best  effects  upon  many  of  the  sufferers. 

He  had  left  his  wife  in  feeble  health  at  the  house 
of  her  father,  at  Korthampton,  Kew-York ;  and  while 
the  cholera  was  doing  its  work  of  deatli  at  Green 
Bay  and  its  vicinity,  he  must  have  been  more  or  less 
than  a  man  had  he  been  wholly  free  from  solicitude. 
He  makes  affecting  mention  of  his  feelings  in  relation 
to  his  family,  in  case  he  should  fall  a  victim  to  the 
pestilence ;  but  having  committed  all  to  the  care  of 
the  heavenly  Father,  his  faith  gained  the  victory, 
and  he  confidingly  pursued  the  path  of  duty  in  his 
new  and  untried  field  of  toil.  Another  trial  of  his 
faith  came  in  the  intelligence  that  the  cholera  had 
reached  the  village  of  Amsterdam,  in  the  Mohawk 
Yalloy,  and  but  a  few  miles  from  the  place  where  lie 


BOOK    PRAYINO    ILLUSTRATED. 


78 


had  left  Mrs.  Clark ;  but  his  resort  was  to  the  throno 
of  f^racc,  where,  after  ,  rong  pleading,  he  was  again 
enabled  to  cast  away  a.l  anxious  care,  and  quietly 
trust  the  event  with  the  God  of  pro .  idence. 

While  at  Green  Bay,  he  was  furnished  with  a 
beautiful  illustration  of  the  inexpedience  (to  use  no 
hai'sher  term)  of  binding  ministers  to  pray  always 
by  book  in  their  public  services.  The  Episcopal 
Prayer  Book  contained  no  form  adapted  to  the 
i cholera  times;  and  the  chaplain  in  the  gan-ison, 
finding  himself  straitened,  applied  to  the  bishop  of 
^Ithe  diocese  for  a  brief  prayer  suited  to  the  case. 
»The  application  was  forwarded  by  mail ;  and  as  the 
place  was  remote  from  the  see  of  the  bishop,  and 
the  mail  arrivals  "few  and  far  between,"  the  prayer 
(composed  and  authorized  by  the  right  reverend  was 
I  of  no  use  when  it  arrived,  for  the  cholera  had  taken 
pts  leave :  liko  a  "  last  year's  almanac,"  it  was  out  of 
late.  The  writer  heard  Mr.  Clark  relate  this  case, 
nth.  effect,  to  a  certain  lady,  who  in  a  stage  coach 
ittempted,  with  much  assurance,  to  elevate  the  Prayer 
Jook  very  nearly,  if  not  quite,  to  a  level  with  the 
Jible ;  and  also  to  convince  him  that  the  Protestant 
episcopal  Church  was  that  which  alone  was  calcu- 
lated to  secure  appropriate  and  acceptable  worship, 
mother  case  was  mentioned  on  that  occasion,  which 
lilso  illustrates  the  same  truth :  In  the  State  of  Yer- 
lont,  it  is  customaiy  to  have  the  sessions  of  the 


r:   ' 


LIFE    OF    REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 

Snprcmo  Court,  on  tlio  first  day,  opened  with  prayer. 
Judge  R ,  who  was  for  many  years  chief  jus- 
tice, made  it  his  rule  to  invite  the  clergy  to  officiate 
in  turn.  On  one  occasion  he  requested  the  sheriff  to 
bear  his  respects  to  the  Episcopal  clergyman,  and 
invite  him  to  call  at  the  hotel,  and  walk  with  him  to 
the  court-house,  and  offer  prayer.  The  sheriff  soon 
returned,  and  reported  that  the  reverend  gentleman 
declined  the  invitation,  because  the  book  contained 
no  prayer  adapted  to  the  occasion.  "Well,"  said 
the  judge,  "go  and  bring  the  Methodist  preacher, 
and  see  if  he  can't  make  one."  This  was  done,  and  a 
prayer  was  made  which  answered  a  very  good  pur- 
pose, and  the  court  was  relieved  of  embarrassment. 

It  may  be  expected  that  the  writer  will,  before 
entering  upon  an  accoimt  of  Mr.  Clark's  labors 
among  the  Indians,  give  some  accoimt  of  that  people, 
in  relation  to  their  hisiv^ry,  mythology,  and  charac- 
teristics. But  he  must  be  excused  from  going  at 
length  into  either  of  these  departments,  for  others 
have,  to  some  extent,  done  that  work.  It  is  with 
pleasure  that  reference  is  made  to  the  works  of 
Messrs.  Schoolcraft  and  M'Kenney,  as  the  best  ex- 
positions of  Indian  character  and  customs.  Tliesc 
writers  have  had  the  best  opportunities  that  could 
be  secured  for  becoming  acquainted  with  the  sub- 
jects of  which  they  treat,  and  they  have  been  the 
true  friends  of  the  outcast  children  of  the  forest. 


^Ml! 


RK. 


MYTHOLOOY    OF    THE    INDIANS. 


76 


[I  with  prayer.     ' 
ars  chief  jiw- 
•gy  to  officiate 
I  the  sheriff  to 
[ergyman,  and 
Ik  with  him  to 
lie  sheriff  soon 
end  gentleman 
30ok  contained 
"Well,"  said 
odist  preacher, 
vas  done,  and  a 
veiy  good  pur- 
ibarrassment. 
ter  will,  before 
Clark's  labors 
t  of  that  people, 
;y,  and  charac- 
from  going  at 
ents,  for  others 
>rk.     It  is  with 
the  works  of 
as  the  best  ex- 
sustoms.     Tliese 
lities  that  could 
d  with  the  sub- 
have  been  the 
)f  the  forest. 


But  the  best   opportunities  are   but   indifferent, 
[for  the  time  has  passed  away  unimproved.     Tlie 
true  and  proper  time  was  before  the  Indian  had 
been  changed,  either  for  better  or  worse,  by  con- 
tact with   the   whites,   and   before    hostilities   had 
[rendered  him  suspicious  and  reserved.     Tliose  who 
[had  the  earliest  opportunities  for  forming  a  true 
[estimate  of  the  Indian  character  and  history  had 
[other  motives  in  view.     Tlie  hardy  leadere  of  ex- 
Iploring    expeditions    never    thought    of    inquiring 
|wliether  the  Indians  had  any  history  or  mythology, 
^but  were  intent  on  discovery  and  conquest,  or  sud- 
den wealth,  by  means  of  a  commerce  which  exerted 
a  baneful  and  ruinous   effect  upon   those   inexpe- 
rienced children  of  nature;   and  the  early  settlers 
|were  neither  qualified  nor  disposed   to  pursue   a 
jourse  of  investigation  in  relation  to  the  subject, 
[hey  had  enough  to  do  in  clearing  away  the  forest, 
greeting  habitations,  and  planting  the  fields;  and, 
general,  they  were  aggressors,  without  even  the 
form  of  honor  or  honesty.     And  before  the  men 
^ame  who  were  fitted  for  the  work  of  impartial  and 
l^atieut  investigation,  the  hostilities  and  jealousies 
rhich  were   engendered   effectually  prevented   all 
|asy  access  to  the  history  and  internal  life  of  those 
iteresting  specimens   of  humanity.     Our  govem- 
lont  has  too  often  acted  as  if  the  Indian  had  no 
Bghts,  but  was  fair  game  for  unprincipled  agents, 


I 


ul 


I 


i  I 


p 


r 


LIFE    OP    REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 

provided  tlioir  course  was  prodnctivo  of  the  onlftrgo- 
mont  of  the  p»i])lic  domain.  Treaties  have  been 
made  with  iinautiiori/od  and  self-appointed  persons 
from  amon^  the  Indians;  and  those  treaties  liavo 
boon  enforced  hy  all  the  power  of  the  notion  against 
the  weak  and  injured  party,  until  their  blood  hat^ 
moistened  their  hunting-grounds,  and  their  bkiich- 
ing  bones  ore  left  unbnried  upon  the  graves  of 
their  fathers  I 

By  such  intercouree  with  the  Indians,  some  traits 
in  their  character  liavo  been  domons^trated.  Their 
expertness  in  war,  their  skill,  stratagem,  and  con- 
tempt of  suffering,  heir  fortitude  oven  in  deatli, 
and  their  noblo  sentiments  of  independence,  have  all 
been  seen  and  admired.  But  their  moral  capabili- 
ties have  not  been  searched  out  nor  aided.  Tlioy 
have  been  loft  to  perish  at  our  doors,  under  the 
blighting  influence  of  the  "fire  w^aters,"  dealt  out 
to  them  by  the  murderous  hand  of  cupidity;  and 
the  power  of  the  white  man  has  been  exerted  for 
their  destruction,  and  not  for  their  salvation.  Thero 
are  some  noble  exceptions,  and  it  is  with  sincere 
pleasure  that  they  are  acknowledged.  There  have 
been  a  few  Elliotts  and  Brainards  iu  the  earlier 
periods  of  our  intercourse  with  them,  and  a  fow 
Cases,  and  Clarks,  and  Chandlers,  and  Finleys,  of 
later  date,  who  were  willing  to  labor  for  the  eleva- 
tion of  the  poor  red  man. 


RK. 


CHAKACTER   OP   TUK    INDIANS. 


77 


3B  have  been 
)iutotl  persoiw 
troaticH  havo 
nation  against 
loir  blood  has 
i  their  blc'iicli- 
tlio   graves  of 

ms,  souio  traits 
istrntetl.    Tlioir 
ipjein,  and  eon- 
oven  in  death, 
idonce,  have  all 
moral  capabili- 
r  aided.     Tlioy 
5ors,  under  the 
ters  "  dealt  out 
'  cupidity;  and 
oen  exerted  for 
ilvation.    Thero 
is  with  sincere 
5d.     There  have 
3  in  the  earlier 
Lcm,  and  a  fo^v 
and  Finleys,  ot 
or  for  the  eleva- 


Tho  Indians  are  said  to  be  cruel,  and  it  niunt 
)o  confessed  that  their  practice  of  torturing  their 
japtivos  has  furnished  ground  for  tho  charge.  But 
Is  there  not  some  little  palliation  to  be  pleaded,  so 
fur  us  tlieir  white  captives  are  concerned?  These 
the  Indian  regarded  as  trespassers  upon  his  vested 
ightn;  us  his  worst  enemies,  whom  he  was  bound 
ko  extirpate,  and  who  deserved  the  harwhost  trcut- 
lont.  And  to  some  extent  this  estimate  was  cor- 
rect. Kevenge  for  injuries  received  fired  their 
touls,  and,  in  their  estimation,  was  justifiable.  Let 
every  charge  be  brought  against  them  which  truth 
will  justify,  and  after  allowing  them  all,  we  may 
adopt  the  language  of  Mrs.  Clark,  the  wife  (now 
widow)  of  our  missionary.  "Tell  me  of  any  vice 
,|>r  crime  of  which  the  Indians  are  guilty,  and  of 
rhich  white  men  are  innocent,  and  I  will  allow 
lat  the  Indians  are  worse  than  the  whites." 
Tlie  writer  is  not  able  to  persuade  himself  that 
le  red  man  had  a  just  and  God-given  right  to 
stain  all  this  continent  forever  as  mere  hunting- 
round;  and  hence  he  is  not  of  the  number  who 
9gard  their  title  as  inalienable.  The  first  man 
^as  put  into  tho  garden  to  "dress  and  keep  it," 
id  when  driven  out  into  "the  wide,  wide  world," 
was  to  "till  the  earth  and  subdue  it."  It  was 
jver  the  design  of  Him  who  "gave  the  earth  to 
le  children  of  men,"  that  any  tribes  should  live 


I 


! 

'  1 

1 

r 

<i 

;    1 

:        1  i 

*        411 


I  ill  I 


nil 


78 


LIFE    or    IlEV.   JOUN    CLARK. 


nioroly  by  the  chuso,  and,  thoroforo,  nono  has  the 
riglit  to  huld  in  perpetuity  gufficiont  territory  to 
nriHwor  ouch  n  purpose.  But  it  is  insiBtod  that 
di(4covory  does  not  give  a  valid  title  to  conntrios 
already  inhabited,  else  navigators  from  the  interior 
of  Africa,  who  have  never  heard  of  these  flourishing 
states,  might  discover  them,  and  wo  ought  to  give 
them  up  without  resistance.  A  fair  remuneration 
was  the  Indian's  right,  and  no  government  or  person 
had  the  right  to  dispossess  him  without  a  fuir  and 
honest  contract.  But  the  course  too  generally  pur- 
sued was  oppressive  and  unjust,  and  tended  tu 
engender  strife  and  discord.  Such  effects  tended 
to  prevent  a  true  knowledge  of  the  Indian  charac- 
ter in  its  more  internal  aspects ;  and  the  researches 
of  the  authors  before  named  were  much  hindered, 
although  nono  have  enjoyed  better  opportunitioa 
for  particular  and  extended  investigations. 

The  Indians  believed  in  the  Great  Spirit,  whom 
they  always  located  in  the  sky,  and  to  whom  they 
ascribed  many  of  his  true  attributes.  They  always 
regarded  him  as  omniscient  and  the  hearer  of  prayer; 
he  is  supreme  in  power,  and  infinite  in  goodness. 
But  they  were,  at  the  same  time,  polytheists ;  they 
clothed  the  fields,  forests,  and  waters  with  divini- 
ties, and  regarded  every  part  of  creation  as  animated 
by  spirits,  visible  and  invisible.  Some  were  malig- 
nant and  some  benign,  and  they  presided  over  the 


^ 


\ono  has  the 

territory  to 
insiBtod   that 

to  countrioa 
n  the  interior 
!B0  flourishing 
ought  to  give 
remuneration 
nent  or  person 
out  a  fttir  and 
generally  pur- 
nd    tended    to 
effects  tended 
Indian  charac- 

the  researches 
nuch  hindered, 
r  opportunities 
tions. 
tt  Spirit,  whom 

to  whom  they 
.  They  always 
learer  of  prayer; 
ite  in  goodness, 
.olytheists;  they 
ers  with  divini- 
tion  as  animated 
.me  were  malig- 

•esided  over  the 


I  RKMOION    or   THE    IN0!A!«r8. 

i 

utfairH  ami  destinies  of  men.     Tliene  must  bo  pro- 
ipitiutud  by  sacritice,  and  tlioir  oiforings  must  bo 
^followed  by  fasts  to  render  them  acceptable,  and 
I  by  feasts  to  express  gratitude.    Such  is  the  ground- 
>  work  of  their  religion ;  but  superstition  has  gratloil 
lupoii  the  original  Htock,  until  it  has  become  nion- 
Utrons    with    domonology,    witchcraft,    and    necro- 
mancy.   They  have  no  succession  in  the  priesthood, 
.but,  like  the  otlico  of  war-captain,  it  is  assumed 
ind  exorcised  by  men  of  more  than  ordinary  acute- 
108S  and  cunning.     It  is  conferred  by  the  election 
of  opiniony  but  not  of  votes.     While  they  regard 
the   Great   Spirit  as   having  his   residence  in   the 
iky,   they   invariably   locate    the   minor   divinities 
in  the  earth.     The  idea  of  a  universal  deluge  is 
tally  entertained  by  all  the  Indians,  and  it  is  found 
|n  their  tales  and  legends,  even  at  the  greatest 
listance  ft'om  civilization  and  Christianity.     Tliey 
ive  also  some  cnide  notions  of  the  incarnation, 
is  evident  from  legends  gathered  and  translated 
^y  Mr.  Schoolcraft. 

The  Indians  are  almost  universally  fond  of  the 
[fire  waters,"  and  will  part  with  the  most  highly- 
rized  and  useful  articles  in  exchange  for  the  destruc- 
re  beverage.  Colonel  M'Kenney  visited  Drum- 
lond's  Island  on  the  occasion  of  the  Indians  drawing 
^eir  annuity  from  the  British  government,  and,  in 
[peaking  of  a  kind  of  torch-light  dance,  he  says : 


LIFE    OF    REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


I    'A 


:'  ii,  , 


il'": 


"  It  is  not  po  .aible  to  give  a  description  of  the 
looks  and  gestures  of  those  staggering  and  naked 
Indians  when  seen  by  torch-light.  The  torch  is 
made  of  birch-bark,  and  emits  a  large  flame,  with 
much  smoke.  The  glare  from  one  is  livid,  but  a 
hundred,  all  lighted  at  once,  and  flaring  about 
in  all  directions,  and  reflecting  upon  naked  and 
painted  savages,  with  bells  rattling  from  their  long 
and  plaited  locks,  and  who,  every  now  and  then, 
fall  into  a  thicket,  and  letting  go  their  grasp  of 
the  torch,  send  it  flaming  and  smoking  along  the 
ground,  produced  an  effect  not  easy  to  describe, 
while  its  fittest  resemblance  is  that  hell  of  which 
we  read,  where  the  wicked  are  said  to  *  gnash  their 
teeth,'  and  from  whence  *the  smoke  of  their  tor- 
ment' ascends.  All  this  comes  of  whisky!  We 
saw  a  log-house  on  the  island,  where  a  sutler  had 
fixed  himself,  and  I  counted  seventeen  empty  bar- 
rels. For  their  contents  these  poor  wretches  had 
exchanged  their  fine  Mackinaw  blankets,  kettles, 
knives,  calicoes,  &c.,  which  they  had  drawn  from 
the  government."  -^ 

There  is  scarcely  any  evil  so  great  as  that  of 
drunkenness ;  and  the  introduction  of  whisky  among 
the  Indians  is  one  of  the  greatest  wrongs  which 
vicious  and  covetous  white  men  have  inflicted  upon 
that  abused  people. 

A.  curiouF,  yet  tragic  account,  is  given  by  both 


\i  i 


n 


I. 

tion  of  the 
and  naked 
le   torch  is 
flame,  with 
livid,  but  a 
iring    about 
naked  and 
a  their  long 
V  and  then, 
3ir  grasp  of 
g  along  the 
to  describe, 
ell  of  which 
*  gnash  their 
of  their  tor- 
hisky  1     We 
a  sutler  had 

empty  bar- 
vretches  had 
kets,  kettles, 

drawn  from 

;  as  that  of 
hisky  among 
Tongs  which 
nflicted  upon 

ven  by  both 


BANEFUL    EFFECTS    UF    WHISKY. 


81 


M'Konney  and  Schoolcraft,  which  illustrates  tlie 
Indian's  love  of  strong  drink,  and  also  his  fancied 
manliness.  At  a  grand  council,  at  which  were 
assembled  many  Indians  from  various  tribes,  there 
were  present.  General  Cass,  General  Scott,  Colonel 
M'Kenney,  Mr.  Schoolcraft,  and  many  other  ofli- 
cers,  both  civil  and  military.  After  the  business  of 
the  council  was  finished,  and  niany  of  the  Indians 
had  left,  there  was  heard  tlie  startling  cry  of  mur- 
der! Tlie  officers  and  others  rushed  to  the  spot, 
and  found  a  woman  prostrate  and  bleeding  pro- 
fusely, while  an  Indian  was  brandishing  his  bloody 
knife  over  the  victim.  Mr.  Schoolcraft  seized  him 
by  his  long  hair,  and  instantly  laid  him  on  his 
back,  placing  his  knee  upon  his  breast  and  holding 
him  fast.  On  inquiry  it  was  ascertained  that  he 
had  attempted  to  take  the  life  of  the  woman,  who 
was  his  mother-in-law,  because  she  had  endeavored 
to  dissuade  him  from  going  into  the  woods  to  buy 
whisky  of  a  skulking  villain,  who  had  concealed 
himself  there  for  the  purpose  of  supplying  them 
with  the  article  in  exchange  for  the  presents  which 
they  had  just  received  at  the  treaty.  Tiie  wrath 
of  tW  Indian  was  'kindled  against  her,  because  she 
I  had  presumed  to  interfere  with  the  pleasure  or 
purpose  of  a  7nan ;  and  the  more  especially,  be- 
: cause  she  ventured  to  take  him  by  the  arm  to  hold 
ihim  back  from  the  way  to  drmikenness.    He  raised 

6 


a 


-V^i,' 


82 


LIFE   or    REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


his  knife  to  kill  her  on  the  epot,  and,  as  she 
attempted  to  parry  the  blow,  its  whole  force  fell 
upon  her  arm,  and  his  second  attempt  was  warded 
off  by  the  other  arm,  which  also  received  a  fright- 
ful gash.  Jii^         '  '■'^.^ 

The  Indian  was  taken  before  Governor  Cass,  and 
the  case  was  related  with  all  its  circumstances, 
when  the  governor  decided  to  make  a  woman  of 
Mm!  The  Indians  gathered  around,  to  whom  the 
governor  gave  an  address,  portraying  the  criminality 
and  meanness  of  the  act,  and  sentenced  the  culprit 
to  degradation,  as  one  unworthy  the  name  of  Trian. 
An  old  greasy  petticoat  was  found,  and,  in  the 
presence  of  both  whites  and  Indians,  he  was  de- 
prived of  his  own  clothing,  invested  with  the 
apparel  of  woman,  and  chased  from  the  hill  on 
which  the  ceremony  was  performed.  He  rushed 
into  a  lodge,  fell  on  his  face,  and  bemoaned  his  fate, 
choosing  rather  to  die  than  live.  It  is  said  that 
he  never  recovered  his  position  with  his  tribe,  but 
was  ever  after  considered  as  disfranchised  and  de- 
graded. The  whisky-trader  fled  to  a  place  of  con- 
cealment, and  so  avoided  a  fate  not  less  degrading. 

The  eloquence  of  the  Indian  is  allowed  and 
admired,  and  a  few  brief  specimens  may  be  appro- 
priate in  this  place. 

"When  in  council  with  General  Harrison,  in  his 
military  tent,  Tecumseh  gave  a  powerful  address, 


I 


i  ii' 


■m 


KMSMia 


Mi 


mmm 


K. 

,nd,  as  she 
e  force  fell 
was  warded 
ed  a  frigbt- 

or  Cass,  and 
rcumstaBces, 
%  woman  of 
to  whom  the 
,e  criminality 
d  the  culprit 
lame  of  man. 
and,  in  the 
,  he  was  de- 
ed  with   the 
the  hill  on 
He  rushed 
•aned  his  fate, 
is  said  that 
his  tribe,  but 
hised  and  de- 
place  of  con- 
59  degrading, 
allowed    and 
aay  be  appro- 


INDIAN    ELOQUENCE. 


88 


in  his 
erful  address, 


irrison. 


at  the  conclusion  of  which  it  was  perceived  that 
no  chair  had  been  provided  for  him.  Tlie  general 
ordered  the  chair,  and  said,  "Your  father  requests 
you  to  take  a  chair."  The  warrior,  suspecting, 
perhaps,  that  it  was  more  an  affront  than  over- 
sight, with  an  air  of  offended  dignity  declined  the 
proffered  seat,  and,  calmly  seating  himself  on  the 
gi'ound,  said,  "My  father  I  The  sun  is  my  father, 
and  the  earth  is  my  mother:  I  will  recline  upon 
her  bosom." 

During  the  Florida  troubles,  which  resulted  in 
war,  a  Seminole  chief  said  to  General  Clinch :  "  You 
have  arms,  and  so  have  we ;  you  have  powder  and 
lead,  and  so  have  we ;  you  have  men,  and  so  have 
we ;  your  men  will  fight,  and  so  will  ours,  till  the 
last  drop  of  the  Seminole's  blood  shall  moisten  his 
hunting-ground." 

Schenandoah,  a  celebrated  chief  of  the  Oneida 
itribe,  lived  to  a  great  age ;  and  in  his  last  public 
[speech  said,  "  Brothers !  I  am  an  aged  hemlock.  The 
[winds  of  a  hundred  winters  have  whistled  through 
|my  branches,  arcT  lam  dead  at  the  topJ^ 

Pushmataha,  a  venerable  chief  of  a  Western  tribe, 
it  a  council  held  in  "Washington  many  years  since, 
lUuding  to  his  great  age  and  the  prospect  of  speedy 
leath,  said:  "My  children  will  walk  through  the 
forests,  and  the  Great  Spirit  will  whisper  in  the  tree- 
|;ops,  and  the  flowers  will  spring  up  in  the  trail,  but 


h 


.*. 


84 


LIFE    OF    REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


:      , 


ll^ii    I 


Pushmataha  will  not  hear ;  he  will  not  see  the  flow- 
ers ;  he  will  be  gone.  His  people  will  know  that  he 
is  dead.  The  news  will  come  to  their  ears  as  the 
sound  of  the  fall  of  a  mighty  oak  in  the  stillness  of 
the  forest."  ;, 

The  following  is  a  specimen  of  eloquence  in  words 
and  actions  united.  The  Treaty  of  New  Euchota 
was  the  work  of  only  three  men,  Major  Ridge, 
his  son  John,  and  Elias  Boudinot;  all  Indians, 
who  had  been  bribed :  and  when  it  was  shown,  with 
all  clearness,  that  these  men  were  not  authorized 
to  make  a  treaty  for  the  Cherokees,  ceding  away 
their  lands,  still  the  government  held  them  to  it  by 
force,  and  compelled  them  to  remove.  And  when 
the  brave  Osceola  was  commanded  by  the  agent  to 
affix  his  mark  to  the  document,  which  was  miscalled 
a  treaty,  and  threatened  with  punishment  by  the 
power  of  the  United  States  if  he  refused,  that  noble 
chief  drew  his  knife,  and  approaching  the  table  on 
which  the  document  lay,  said,  "  If  I  must  make  my 
mark,  there  it  is,"  thrusting  the  knife  through  the 
document  into  the  table  I  For  this  he  was  seized  as 
a  prisoner,  and  his  people  made  to  endure  all  tlie 
horrors  of  a  desolating  war ! 

The  poetry  of  the  Indians  is  simple  and  infantile, 
yet  it  shows  their  capability.  The  following  is  a  trans- 
lation of  the  wa/r-song  of  a  Chippewa  chief,  by  Mr. 
'^hoolcraft: 


68  the  flow- 

low  that  he 

ears  as  the 

stillness  of 

ce  in  words 
3W  Euchota 
ajor  Ritlge, 
all  Indians, 
shown,  with 
t  authorized 
ieding  away 
lem  to  it  by 

And  when 
the  agent  to 
sras  miscalled 
lent  by  the 
I,  that  noble 
the  table  on 
ist  make  my 

through  the 
was  seized  as 
idure  all  tlic 

md  infantile, 
inff  is  a  trans- 
2hief,  by  Mr. 


INDIAN    POETRY.  86 

"  On  that  day  when  our  heroes  lay  low — lay  low, 
On  that  day  when  our  heroes  lay  low ; 
I  fought  by  their  side,  and  I  thought  ore  I  died. 
Just  vengeance  to  take  on  the  foe — on  the  foe, 
Just  vengeance  to  take  on  the  foe.  j^ 

"  On  that  day  when  our  chieftains  lay  dead — lay  dead, 
On  that  day  when  our  chieftains  lay  dead, 
^     I  fought  hand  to  hand,  at  the  head  of  my  band, 
And  htro  on  my  breast  have  I  bled — have  I  bled, 
And  here  on  my  breast  have  I  bled. 

"  Our  chiefs  shall  return  no  more — no  more. 
Our  chiefs  shall  return  no  more. 

And  their  brothers  in  war  who  can't  show  scar  for  soar, 
Like  women  their  fate  shall  deplore— shall  deplore, 
Like  women  their  fate  shall  deplore. 

"  Five  winters  in  hunting  we'll  spend — we'll  spend. 
Five  winters  in  hunting  we'll  spend ; 
Then  our  boys  grown  to  men,  to  the  war  lead  again, 
And  our  days,  like  our  fathers',  we'll  end — we'll  end. 
And  our  days,  like  our  fathers',  we'll  end." 

Perhaps  the  following  appeal,  or  something  like  it, 
at  least  in  sentiment,  finds  a  response  in  many  piona 
hearts  at  this  time.    Tlie  lines  were  written  by  a  lady 

|in  Connecticut,  and  published  in  ^''M^Kenmy^s  Per- 

^eonal  Memoirs^ 

"  I  dwell  with  the  tempest,  I'm  rock'd  by  the  stovm ; 
No  pillow  of  luxury  come  I  to  crave ; 
Sole  lord  of  the  brute,  in  whose  furs  I  am  warm. 
Yet  pity  the  red  man,  ye  sons  of  the  wave. 


m 


*iv.f; 


LIFE    OF    REV.   JOHN  CLARK. 


'%• 


M        f 


"  Ere  the  wido-sproading  ocean,  now  rolling  so  blue, 
Your  forefathers  bore  from  afar  to  our  shore ; 
These  forests  comprised  all  the  pleasures  we  knew; 
Then  pity  the  red  man,  now  happy  no  more. 

"  Ye  dwell  at  the  fountain  of  mental  delight, 
Whose  streams  intellectual  deliciously  roll; 
And  when  the  rich  banquets  so  freely  invite,  ' 
0,  pity  the  red  man ;  he  too  has  a  soult 

^'  O,  teach  him  that  Name,  to  all  Christians  so  dear, 
Your  passport  to  mansions  of  glory  on  high ; 
That  Name  which  supports  you  in  death,  without  fear ; 
Declare  to  the  red  man,  and  teach  him  to  die" 

Mr.  Clark  was  now  entering  upon  new  ground, 
and  engaging  in  work  which  required  all  his  skill 
and  prudence,  as  well  as  the  great  firmness  and 
untiring  energy,  which  were  among  his  prominent 
characteristics.  Having  laid  himself  on  the  mission- 
ary altar,  he  was  ready  to  labor  in  that  field  so  long 
as  Providence  should  prepare  his  way. 

While  at  anchor  off  Fort  Brady,  just  below  Sault 
Ste.  Marie,  he  was  informed  that  four  Indian  speakers, 
who  labored  there  for  some  time  with  good  success, 
were  about  to  leave  for  their  homes  in  Canada  West, 
on  account  of  cholera.  This  was  not,  at  that  time, 
his  field  of  labor ;  yet,  feeling  a  strong  desire  that 
none  of  the  poor  Indians  might  be  left  without  in- 
struction, he  wrote  to  those  brethren  a  letter  of  en- 
couragement, and  urged  them  to  stay  a  while  longer. 
To  that  letter  he  received  this  answer : 


m^ 


ElK. 


LETTER   FROM    OEOROE    HENRY. 


87 


1)  blue, 
are; 
knew; 
ore. 


0  dear, 
rithout  fear ; 

new  ground, 

1  all  his  skill 
firmness   and 

his  prominent 
)n  the  mission- 
b  field  so  long 

ist  below  Sault 
adian  speakers, 
1  good  success, 
Canada  "West, 
,  at  that  time, 
ing  desire  that 
eft  without  in- 
a  letter  of  en- 
a  while  longer. 


"Satii.t  Ste.  Mabie,  July  10, 1882. 

"  Dear  Brotheii, — M'itl\  haste  I  now  write  these  few  linos,  to 
let  you  know  that  wo  are  going  to  start  to-day  for  home ;  not 
because  of  tlio  sickness,  but  because  our  time  is  out.  We  was 
to  been  home  three  weeks  ago ;  and  on  account  of  that  we  must 
go  to-day,  if  it  please  the  Lord.  The  Indians  want  us  to  stay 
very  much,  but  cannot.  Wo  expect  that  Brother  John  Sunday 
will  cojne  soon  after  this ;  he  was  to  been  liore  three  weeks  ago. 
We  shall  meet  him  on  the  way  if  he  is  coming  at  all. 

"Dear  brother,  we  are  very  glad  for  what  the  Lord  has  done 
among  the  poor  Indians  since  we  have  been  here.  About  sixty 
of  them  have  (;iven  themselves  to  the  Lord.  We  hope  that  the 
Lord  will  bless  them  very  much,  and  save  them  in  heaven  for- 
ever. We  are  v^ry  gTiid  indeed  that  you  wrote  to  us,  though 
we  do  not  know  you ;  but  we  love  all  the  people  of  God.  The 
names  of  friends  are  these:  David  Sawyer,  Thomas  M'Gee, 
James  Youngs.     This  is  all  I  have  to  say:  very  great  haste. 

I  am  your  friend  in  Christ, 

George  Henby." 

These  men  had  labored  there  only  about  eight 
weeks;  yet  they  had  seen  spiritual  prosperity,  and 
were  greatly  endeared  to  the  Indians  whom  they 
had  instructed. 


f'M 


1 


I  I 


LIFE    OF   HEV.    JOHN   CLARK. 


,  .■*■ 


i    ir 


^   I 


I       !l 


Hi;  I 


•l',.' 


CHAPTER  VII. 

INDIAN    MISSIONS— CONTINUED. 

(jrcen  Itey  — Its  Situation  — VlnitH  tlio  Indinn  Bottlomont  — Ilia  Talk  - 
Daniel  Adatns— Tho  Council  — Favorublo  Kcecption  — Fir»t  llouwe 
erected  for  Schools  and  WorHliip  — Dedication  — Lord'H  Supper 
—  DimonBions,  &c.,  of  tho  IIoubo  —  First  McthodlHt  Class  —  Tlio 
School  and  Sabbath  School  — Jolin  Sunday  at  Sault  Stc.  Mario  — Sagi- 
naw Bay  —  Mr.  Clark  in  tho  East  —  Letter  from  Daniel  Adunis. 

On  reaching  his  field  of  labor  the  missionary  pro- 
ceeded without  delay  to  the  work  before  him.  In  a 
letter  to  the  Board,  dated  September  5th,  1832,  ho 
gives  a  brief  description  of  tho  locality,  and  of  the 
prospects  as  he  viewed  them : 

"  Green  Bay  is  a  fine  sheet  of  water,  on  the  west 
side  of  Lake  Michigan,  formed  by  a  chain  of  islands, 
lying  in  a  direction  about  northeast  and  southwest. 
The  bay  is  one  hundred  miles  long,  and,  in  some 
places,  forty  miles  wide.  The  head  of  the  bay  is  in 
north  latitude  44°  39',  ten  degrees  west  from  Wash- 
ington. The  white  settlement  is  located  mostly  on 
the  left  bank  of  the  Fox  River,  extending  up  the 
river  about  five  miles  from  the  head  of  the  bay. 
The  population  is  about  one  thousand,  most  of  whom 
are  French  Catholics,  but  greatly  amalgamated  with 
the  Menomonee  Indians,  over  whom  it  is  said  they 


.sW 


■n 


c. 


VISIT   TO   THE    INDIANS. 


89 


It  — His  Talk  — 
—  Fir»t  House 
Lord'rt  Supper 
wt  Cla«8  — Tlio 
3.  Mario  —  Sftgi- 
[  Aduins. 

ionary  pro- 
him.    In  a 

h,  1832,  lio 
and  of  the 

on  the  west 
1  of  islands, 
.  southwest, 
id,  in  some 
le  bay  is  in 
from  Wash- 
i  mostly  on 
ling  up  the 
jf  the  bay. 
Dst  of  whom 
imated  with 
is  said  they 


have  great  influence.    There  is  evidently  great  neces- 

;     sity  for  a  thorough  revival  of  religioi4  here. 

I        "The    Indian   settlement,   whoso    interests    were 

specially  kept  in  view  in  establishing  this  mission, 

is  located  about  twenty-five  miles  from  this  place,  on 

^     the  left  bank  of  the  Fox  River.    Tlieir  situation  is 

healthy,  and  the  land  productive." 

He  soon  visited  the  Indians  there,  with  Daniel 
Adams,  a  native  preacher  in  the  Mohawk  language. 
Anthony  John,  the  principal  chief,  called  together 
the  whole  settlement  to  receive  them.  Mr.  Clark  ad- 
dressed them  in  as  simple  words  as  possible,  making 
known  the  objects  of  the  mission ;  after  which  Daniel 
spoke  in  a  very  feeling  manner.  He  was  followed 
by  several  Indians,  who  expressed  their  desire  for  a 
missionary,  and  their  great  joy  that  these  had  ari'ived. 
They  then  went  into  council  with  reference  to  a 
school,  and  fixed  on  a  site  for  a  school-house  and 
place  of  worship.  An  Indian  female  was  employed 
to  take  charge  of  the  school  for  the  present ;  for,  it 
will  be  remembered,  that  here  were  Indians  who 
were  formerly  of  the  Oneida  tribe,  in  che  State  of  Kew- 
York,  and  that  among  them  were  some  who  were 
converted  before  their  emigration.  These  had  con- 
tinued firm  in  the  faith,  praying  and  hoping  for  a 
missionary.  Daniel  Adams  was  left  here  as  the 
missionary,  while  Mr.  Clark  preached  at  this  place 
and  Green  Bay  on  alternate  Sabbaths. 


90 


L1F£    OF    UKV.    JUUN    CLAKK. 


^ 


Ml, 


*. 


!l.:ii.-  '! 


Oil  the  15th  of  Soptonihcr,  1832,  tlioy  huil  the 
ploasuro  of  toeing  their  house  for  a  school  and 
for  worehip  cornploted;  and  a  clasH  was  forinod  of 
twenty-flvc  Indian  niembors,  most  of  wliom  gavo 
ovidenco  of  a  cliango  of  heart,  and  all  desired  to 
"flee  from  the  wrath  to  come,  and  be  saved  from 
their  sins."  Tlie  next  day  being  the  Sabbath,  they 
dedicated  their  house  to  the  service  of  the  great 
Head  of  the  Church.  Mr.  Clark  gave  them  a  "talk" 
on  2  Corinthians,  viii,  9,  which,  says  he,  "they  re- 
ceived with  many  a  falling  tear."  After  the  sermon 
he  baptized  Adam,  an  Indian  child,  son  of  John  and 
Mary  Smith,  both  persons  of  piety.  He  then  gave 
the  Lord's  Supper  to  thirty-five  or  forty  Indians,  all 
"  meekly  kneeling  upon  their  knees."  Among  these 
were  some  Presbyterians  as  well  as  Methodists ;  and 
they  belonged  to  three  different  tribes,  Oneidas, 
Stockbridges,  and  Tuscaroras.  On  that  occasion  the 
missionary  says,  "It  was  truly  a  season  of  melting 
interest.  I  have  seldom  enjoyed  one  of  greater 
happiness  at  the  table  of  our  blessed  Lord." 

Who  that  has  a  Christian  heart  can  contemplate 
the  scenes  of  that  hallowed  day  without  emotion? 
True,  this  first  Church,  under  the  supervision  of  this 
self-denying  missionary,  was  an  humble  structure, 
only  twenty-four  by  thirty  feet,  and  built  of  logs. 
There  were  no  cushioned  seats,  nor  richly-trimmed 
pulpit,  nor  sounding  organ ;  l>ut  it  was  a  holy  place, 


fi 


"hil  ll 


FIK8T    tiCHOOL    OHUANIZKJ). 


91 


y  liuil  tlio 
chool  and 
formed  of 
liom  gftvo 
desired  to 
aved  from 
ibatli,  tliey 
the  great 
ma  "talk" 
,  "they  re- 
tlje  sermon 
i"  John  and 
then  gave 
[ndians,  all 
nong  these 
•dists;  and 
,  Oneidas, 
ceasion  the 
of  melting 
of  greater 

Dntemplate 
t  emotion? 
lion  of  this 
structure, 
lit  of  logs, 
iy-trimmed 
holy  place, 


nnd  the  Saviour,  who  is  "  meek  and  lowly  in  heart," 
and  whose  birthplace  was  a  manger,  was  with  the 
humble,  happy  band  on  that  joyous  occasion. 

On  the  next  day  they  assembled  to  organize  a 
school,  and  men,  women,  and  children  were  present. 
After  a  brief  address  from  Mr.  Clark,  remarks  were 
made  by  Mossra.  Marsh  and  Stevens,  of  the  Stock- 
bridge  Presbyterian  Mission.  The  chief,  Anthony 
John,  urged  his  people  to  avail  themselves  of  the 
advantages  aiforded  them,  and  declared  his  purpose 
to  do  all  in  his  power  to  forward  the  designs  of  the 
mission.  Tliey  sung,  and  prayed,  and  opened  the 
school  with  thirty  Indian  children.  By  special 
agreement  with  the  teacher,  a  Sabbath  school  was 
to  be  taught  regularly,  for  the  benefit  of  adults  as 
well  as  children. 

Mr.  Clark  had  the  satisfaction  of  learning  from 
Mr.  Schoolcraft,  the  Indian  agent  of  Sault  Ste. 
Marie,  that  John  Sunday  had  arrived  at  that  place, 
and  was  laboring  with  good  success.  He  wrote  him 
and  the  converted  Indians  a  letter  of  encouragement 
and  Christian  greeting;  and  also  desired  that  Mr. 
Schoolcraft  would  inform  the  chiefs  that,  if  it  pleased 
God,  they  should  have  a  missionary  and  school  in  the 
spring.  That  Christian  gentleman  was  always  ready 
to  encourage  every  good  work,  and  used  all  his 
influenr  e  in  favor  of  the  missionaries.  Had  all  the 
Indian  agents  under  the  general  government  been 


f  »  V  ^, 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


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ItilM    125 

^  ^   12.2 

Sf  144    "^ 
St  U&    12.0 


RJi& 


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^ 

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► 

Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


23  WEST  MmIi  «  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  145S0 

(716)  •72-4503 


•s^ 


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s> 


•<» 


92 


LIFE    OP    REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


like  him,  there  would  be  a  less  dark  account  against 
our  nation  in  the  court  of  heavon. 

Mr.  Clark  had  his  eye  upon  the  vast  field,  and 
exerted  himself  to  secure  laborers  for  all  its  waste 
places.  He  had  applied  to  that  veteran  missionary, 
Wm.  Case,  of  Canada,  for  helpers,  as  it  was  his  desire 
to  establish  a  mission  at  Saginaw  Bay,  on  the  west 
side  of  Lake  Huron.  Mr.  Case  responded  to  the  call, 
and  sent  laborers  to  that  place,  to  act  under  the 
direction  of  Mr.  Clark;  but  the  dread  of  cholera, 
both  by  the  natives  and  the  speakers  from  Canada, 
caused  an  entire  failure,  and  the  young  men  returned 
home  without  even  visiting  the  place  of  their  destina- 
tion. 

Having  arranged  the  work,  so  far  as  he  was  able, 
until  more  helpers  should  be  furnished,  Mr.  Clark 
returned  home  to  prepare  his  family  for  removal  to 
the  Indian  country  in  the  spring.  He  found  Mrs. 
Clark  in  her  usual  health,  with  a  fine  boy  nearly  three 
months  old,  bom  in  his  absence.  This  son  they  named 
John  Emory;  he  is  now  the  only  remaining  child. 

During  the  season  which  he  passed  in  the  East  he 
was  mindful  of  his  own  special  work,  and  labored  for  its 
advancement.  He  traveled  extensively  in  the  regions 
of  his  earlier  toils,  and  was  everywhere  received  as 
the  beloved  minister.  During  a  part  of  the  time 
he  took  the  appointments  of  the  presiding  elder  of 
the  Troy  District,  Eev.  A.  Scolefield,  who  was  dis- 


f. 


L£'.:T£B    from    DANIEL    ADAMS. 


d3 


ant  against 

field,  and 
1  its  waste 
missionary, 
3  his  desire 
n  the  west 
to  the  call, 

under  the 
of  cholera, 
m  Canada, 
m  returned 
eir  destina- 

5  was  able, 
Mr.  Clark 
removal  to 
'ound  Mrs. 
learly  three 
hey  named 
ig  child, 
he  East  he 
>oredforit8 
the  regions 
eceived  as 
r  the  time 
ig  elder  of 
LO  was  dis- 


abled by  sickness.  In  November  he  attended  a 
meeting  of  the  Mission  Board  in  New- York,  and 
gave  them,  in  person,  an  account  of  the  wants  and 
openings  in  the  Indian  countiy.  He  received  several 
letters  from  his  mission-field  which  greatly  cheered 
his  heart,  one  of  which  the  reader  will  be  glad  to 
peruse.  It  was  written  by  Daniel  Adams,  the  native 
preacher  whom  Mr.  Clark  had  left  at  the  mission  on 
the  Fox  Kiver,  near  Green  Bay.  It  was  his  first 
attempt  at  missionary  correspondence  in  the  English 
language : 

"Deab  Bbotheb, — ^I  love  you  much  in  the  Lord.  I  want  to 
toll  you  a  few  words.  I  feel  in  my  heart  to  rejoice  every  day 
because  we  have  so  many  good  meetings  here.  The  Lord  pours 
out  his  Holy  Spirit,  and  carries  on  his  work  among  us,  in  that  he  is 
bringing  poor,  drunken  Indians  out  of  nature's  darkness  into  his 
marvelous  light  of  the  Gospel  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ.  O  yes,  dear  brother  1  we  rejoice  over  more  converted 
Indians  am  e  you  saw  me  last;  I  have  indeed,  for  my  part, 
experienced  the  greatest  blessings  while  I  have  been  laboring 
here.  I  will  tell  you,  dear  brother,  how  great  things  God  has 
done  for  my  poor  Indians.  Some  of  them  have  got  religion ! 
When  converted,  they  no  more  get  drunk,  for  their  hearts  have 
become  new.  You  know,  dear  brother,  what  the  word  of  God 
says:  'Therefore,  if  any  man  be  in  Christ  Jesus,  he  is  a  new 
creature :  old  things  are  passed  away,  and  behold,  all  things  are 
become  new.'    I  feel  to  thank  God,  and  rejoice  in  my  heart. 

"Dear  brother,  you  must  makehaste  and  come  back  early  in  the 
spring.  I  want  you  to  build  another  school-house  at  Deer  Creek 
when  you  come.  You  know  that  a  great  many  Indians  there 
got  no  religion,  and  know  nothing  about  the  Saviour.    I  hope, 


I    '     ! 


ii ;  I  * 


lir  :i 


H 


LIFE    OF    REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


by-and-by,  to  spread  the  Gospel  in  that  place.  You  mast  pray 
for  them  poor  Indians.  IVhile  I  write  to  you  it  makes  me  rejoice. 
Bat  I  hope  to  meet  yon  in  heaven,  that  good  place,  where  will 
be  no  more  sin  and  sorrow,  and  where  we  will  part  no  more  for- 
ever. A  word  of  advice  will  be  thankfully  received  by  your 
Christian  brethren  in  the  Lord.  Daniel  Adams." 

Mr.  Clark's  visit  home,  and  his  labors  here, 
awakened  a  deeper  interest  in  behalf  of  Indian 
Missions ;  and  they  were  aided  the  following  spring 
bj  donations  of  goods,  clothing,  books,  &c.,  to  the 
amount  of  three  hundred  dollars. 


A   SUNDAY    AT    DETROIT. 


95 


*» 


v.. 


OHAPTEE  ym. 

^^  INDIAN   MISSIONS— CONTINUED. 

Mr.  Clark  returns  to  his  Field— A  Sabbath  at  Detroit— Tlio  evening 
Meeting — Thomaa  Frazier — W.  Herkimer — Peter  Jonca  —  Storm  on 
Lake  Huron — Soult  Ste.  Marie  —  Location  —  H.  Brady — Indian  Labors 
— John  Sunday's  Missionary  Speech  — Proselyting  — Council— An- 
swer Favorable  —  Peter  Jones  —  l*reacher's  House  —  Laboring  with  his 
own  Hands — Week-day  and  Sabbath-sohool  —  Class-meetings  —  In- 
dians sincere  and  earnest — "A  Sabbath  Morning  at  Green  Bay"  — 
Houses  at  Duck  Creek  — Marriage  of  Miss  Quinney  and  Daniel 
Adams — His  Labors — Bemoval  to  Kansas  — Death — Mrs.  Adams. 

Mb.  CLABK'tetunied  to  his  distant  field  in  the  spring 
of  1833,  taking  his  family  with  him.  On  the  way 
he  was  joined  by  four  Indians,  all  pious  men,  who 
devoted  themselves  to  the  missionary  work.  They 
passed  a  Sabbath  at  Detroit ;  and  the  reader  will  be 
glad  to  read  the  following  account  of  the  meeting  as 
published  in  the  Detroit  Courier , 

"Kev.  John  Clark,  who  has  been  appointed  by 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Missionary  Society  to  labor 
as  a  missionary  among  the  Chippewas,  arrived  in 
this  city  on  Saturday  last,  accompanied  by  four 
Indians,  all  of  whom  are  devoted  Christians.  On  the 
evening  of  last  Sabbath,  a  scene  was  presented  at  the 
Methodist  meeting-house  well  calculated  to  awaken 
the  sympathies  of  Clmstians,  and  excite  a   deep 


% 


90 


LIFE    OF    BBV.    JOHN    OLAKK. 


I    '  I 


interest  in  all  who  were  privileged  to  witness  it. 
After  an  able  discourse  from  the  Kev.  Mr.  Clark, 
these  natives  of  the  forest  rose,  and  in  a  simple  and 
earnest  manner  most  affectingly  addressed  the  au- 
dience. 

'Tliomas,  the  youngest  of  the  four,  in  his  own 
simple  way,  adverted  to  past  years  when  he  visited 
Detroit,  and  so  frequently  saw  poor  Indians  drunk. 
Ho  spoke  of  the  cnielty  of  white  men  in  giving  liquor 
to  the  Indians  to  destroy  them.  He  told  of  the  hap- 
piness he  enjoyed  in  religion,  and  how  dear  to  him 
was  the  Saviour.  He  said  he  had  thought  a  great 
deal  about  poor  Indians ;  and  with  much  earnestness 
entreated  that  Christians  would  pray  for  them,  that 
they  might  be  made  acquainted  with  the  Saviour. 
He  closed  his  brief  but  touching  appeal  with  an 
exhortation  to  all  to  seek  religion.  Thomas  was  much 
embarrassed  at  the  commencement  of  his  remarks, 
and  said  he  was  a  poor  Indian,  and  could  not  speak 
our  language  very  well. 

"The  next  Indian  who  spoke  was  "William  Her- 
kimer. Though  not  less  embarrassed  than  the  first, 
he  could  speak  better  English.  He  briefly  con- 
trasted the  high  and  numerous  privileges  of  white 
people  with  those  of  the  Indians.  *But,'  said  he, 
*the  Saviour  is  equally  precious  to  the  red  man 
as  to  the  white.'  He  spoke  with  deep  feeling  of 
his  own  sinMness  and  of  the  preciousness  of  the 


r 


INDIAN    ADDRESSES. 


97 


Saviour,  and  exhorted  Lidians  to  shun  wlnsky, 
and  prayed  that  the  Great  Spirit  would  lead  all  to 
embrace  religion. 

"Peter  Jones,  the  most  intelligent  of  the  four, 
had  addressed  the  meeting  previous  to  the  sermon. 
He  speaks  our  language  well,  and  his  manner  was 
simple,  sincere,  and  solemn.  The  evidence  ho  gave 
to  the  reality  of  true  religion,  to  the  power  of  tlio 
Holy  Spirit,  and  the  consolations  of  the  true  be- 
liever, could  not  but  reach  the  heart  and  move 
the  sympathies  of  a  large  portion,  if  not  of  all  his 
hearers.  His  prayer  in  the  Indian  language,  though 
unintelligible  to  the  congregation,  was  marked  with 
much  fervor  and  humility  of  manner;  and  when, 
at  the  close,  he  sent  up  his  earnest  desire  in  our 
own  language,  the  efiect  was  like  the  deep,  and 
solemn,  and  irresistible  appeal  of  the  ^  still,  small 
voice'  of  God,  over  the  whole  assembly.  The 
exercises  were  closed  with  a  hymn  in  the  Indian 
language,  sung  by  the  four  Indian  bretliren. 

"The  whole  scene  we  have  thus  delineated  was 
one  of  peculiar  character.  It  speaks  volumes  to  tho 
infidel,  while  the  humble  and  devoted  Christian 
was  cheered  by  the  promise  of  a  glorious  triumph 
of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom.  Here  was  Christianity 
in  its  infancy ;  and  though,  like  a  grain  of  mustard 
seed,  it  brings  forth  but  a  tender  and  weakly  crop, 
it  is  of  God's  right-hand  planting,  and  will  soon 

1 


,>  **.  .  ""'V  .  », 


>, 


W' 


JM. 


IP' 

ii 

iiiii 


a!  i' 


LIF£    OF    REV.    JOHN   CLARK. 

'strotch  its  branches  to  the  river,  and  its  boughs 
to  the  ends  of  the  earth.'  The  earth  is  too  narrow 
for  its  purposes.    It  points  forward  to  an  eternity ! 

*^  These  interesting  visitors  left  us  on  Monday. 
Jones  and  Herkimer  will  accompany  Mr.  Clark 
to  Sault  Ste.  Marie,  and  labor  in  the  same  field 
among  the  Ohippewas.  The  others,  Frazer  and 
M'Goe,  will  proceed  to  Green  Bay,  and  remain 
with  the  Menomonees." 

On  the  13th  of  June  Mr.  Clark  wrote  to  the 
Board  at  New- York,  informing  them  of  his  safe 
arrival  at  Sault  Ste.  Marie,  after  a  passage  of  twenty- 
six  days  from  Troy,  N.  Y.  The  last  twenty  miles 
were  passed  in  an  open  birch-bark  canoe.  While 
off  Saginaw  Bay,  Lake  Huron,  they  encountered  a 
severe  gale,  which  continued  from  Friday  after- 
noon until  Monday  morning.  The  waters  of  Huron 
were  Inshed  into  fury,  and  the  waves  appeared 
like  little  hills  running  a  race.  They  were  obliged 
to  enter  the  bay,  and  lie  at  anchor  until  the  storm 
had  passed  over.  On  reaching  the  Sault  they  were 
received  by  the  sub-agent  with  great  cordiality,  for 
ho  appeared  deeply  interested  in  everything  which 
promised  to  improve  the  condition  of  the  Indians. 
Mr.  Schoolcraft,  the  agent,  had  removed  to  Mackinaw. 

Tliis  new  field  of  labor  was  a  very  healthy  little 
town,  in  about  46°  30'  north  latitude,  on  the  River 
St.  Mary,  between  Lakes  Superior  and  Huron.    Its 


#   .. 


^         JOHN   SUNDAY. 


99 


ts  boughs 
JO  narrow 
itemity  t 

Monday. 
k[r.  Clark 
lame  fiold 
razor  and 
id  remain 

>te  to  the 

f  his  safe 

of  twenty- 

Bnty  miles 

e.    While 

mntered  a 

day  atter- 

of  Huron 

appeared 

re  obliged 

the  storm 

they  were 

iiality,  for 

ing  which 

e  Indians. 

iilackinaw. 

ilthy  little 

the  River 

iuron.    Its 


name,  Sanlt  Sto.  Marie,  (pronounced  So  St.  Mary,) 
literally  moans  the  I^allsy  or  Zeapf  of  St.  Mury. 
Hero  is  located  Fort  Brady.  Tlie  religious  history 
of  the  place,  so  far  as  the  Indians  are  concerned, 
is  thus  given  by  Mr.  Clark : 

"The  work  of  God  commenced  among  the  In- 
dians about  two  years  ago,  under  the  labors  of 
John  Sunday  and  his  colleagues.  He  began  his 
labors  firat  on  the  Canada,  and  then  on  the  American 
side  of  the  river,  and  in  both  places  saw  much  fruit 
of  his  labors.  In  a  short  time  the  change  produced 
in  the  conduct  of  many  of  the  Indians,  was  matter 
of  astonishment  to  all. 

"  In  the  fall  of  that  year  Sunday  returned  with 
his  company  to  Grape  Island,  and  visited  this  place 
again  in  August  following.  During  this  absence 
the  work  did  not  prosper  as  he  had  expected  it 
would ;  but  that  servant  of  God  was  not  discouraged, 
for  those  who  had  believed  were  steadfast,  and 
some  new  converts  were  added  to  their  number. 
Last  fall  Sunday  went  to  Lake  Superior,  and  left 
John  Cah-beach  and  John  Taunchy  to  take  care 
of  the  work  at  the  Sault.  These  brethren,  by  their 
pious  integrity  and  attention  to  their  various  duties, 
have  done  honor  to  their  profession." 

The  reader  has  heard  of  this  John  Sunday  be- 
fore, and  will  be  pleased  to  read  a  ponion  of  one 
of  his  missionary  speeches : 


100 


LIFK    or    UKV.    JOHN    OLARK. 


III  Hi 


*'  My  dear  Bkotueiw  and  SisTKBe, — I  want  to 
say  a  few  wordu  to  you.     I  can't  say  much,  by 

reason  I  not  speak  your  language Once 

I  live  in  the  woods  like  wild  man,  but  more  like 
monkey.  I  thank  the  Great  Spirit  for  bring  mo 
out  from  darkness.  When  I  live  in  the  woo<ls  my 
father  and  mother  teach  mo  fast  when  six  years 
old.  I  often  expect  the  Great  Spirit  will  bless  mo. 
I  fast  often  till  nineteen  years  old,  but  find  no 
peace  in  my  heart,  no  spirit  to  bless  mo. 

*' About  ten  years  ago  these  good  men  [Kev.  Mr. 
Case  and  Peter  Jones]  come  to  Belleville.  I  was  poor 
drunken  Indian.  I  hear  the  words  of  God.  Peter 
ii  begin  speak  about  two  roads — broad  and  nar- 
row road,  where  all  people  go  when  they  die.  Before 
this,  I  think  white  people  go  one  place;  Indians 
another  place,  away  to  the  west.  If  they  together, 
white  people  and  Indians  can't  talk.  Peter  siy,  there 
two  ways.  If  white  people  get  drunk,  if  Indians  got 
drunk,  they  all  go  in  the  broad  way — they  go  to  holl  1 
I  feel  very  bad,  not  sleep  much  for  nights,  never  feel 
80  bad  before!  But  I  thank  the  Great  Spirit  for 
what  he  done  for  me  now,  and  for  poor  Indians  in  the 
woods. 

"About  eight  yeare  ago  I  can't  read;  I  don't  know 
one  letter,  one  a,  b,  c.  One  evening  went  into  wig- 
wam ;  one  Indian  had  a  little  book  reading ;  I  think 
I  stop,  and  hear  him  say  a,  b,  c.    When  he  done,  I 


i.i 


SPEECH     or   JOHN    SUNDAY. 


101 


try ;  mo  Bay  it  throo  times,  and  juHt  take  half  an  hour 
to  loarn  this  a,  b,  c.  I  thank  the  Great  Spirit,  I  cuu 
read  a  little  now.  When  I  want  to  hoar  God's  wordu, 
I  open  Testament  and  hear  Jesus,  what  ho  say. 

"  One  time  I  go  to  New- York.  Peter  Jacobs  was 
translating;  Brother  Case  give  mo  the  book  noar 
Schenectady.  I  think  then  I  can  read ;  but  I  try, 
can't  road,  and  I  fool  very  sorry  in  my  heart.  I  jump 
from  the  boat  and  go  to  tbo  woods,  away  from  the 
canal,  and  pray  the  Great  Spirit  teach  me  to  road. 
I  cry  much,  and  pray,  and  cry  again.  The  Lord 
bless  me  then.  I  try  to  read  again  in  the  evening ; 
I  read  a  little,  I  understand  one  verse  / 

"  By  ond  by  I  road  in  Testament,  *  Go  ye  into  all 
tho  world,  and  preach  the  Gospel  to  every  creature.' 
Then  I  think  I'll  go  into  the  woods  and  preach,  and 
try  to  find  lost  sheep.  One  time  I  go  up  Lake  Huron, 
five  years  ago.  I  got  half  bushel  flour,  and  eight 
pounds  pork.  That  not  much  to  go  one  thousand 
miles.  Flour  soon  gone,  pork  gone,  all  gone ;  I  got 
nothing  more.  I  prayed.  I  think  I'll  go  in  the 
woods  and  find  something.  One  time  we  are  very 
hungry.  Two  Indians  say,  *  We'll  go  to  the  island, 
and  got  gulls'  eggs.'  Then  we  go ;  the  wind  so  high, 
we  can't  come  back.  We  stay  on  the  island  all  night, 
and  eat  eggs.  We  had  prayer-meeting  there  among 
the  gulls.  Jesus  there  too ;  had  good  meeting  in  our 
hearts  away  there  on  that  lake. 


102 


LIFE   07   REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


i!l' 


jj^  "Next  morninpf,  Sotunlay,  wind  fell.    Tlio  Ind'ina 

say,  'Sunday  como  Hoon ;  wo  got  nuthing  to  oat ;  can't 
hunt.*  I  8ay,  *  Trust  in  Josus  Christ;*  and  wo  begin  to 
IIhIi  :  soon  catch  big  sturgeon,  flvo  feet  long.  Tliat 
night  wo  go  on  a  little  island,  big  as  this  mooting- 
liouso.  Wo  liad  plenty  stnrgoon;  had  preaching 
thoro ;  wo  wore  throe,  and  Jesus  Christ  mako  four : 
it  was  good  mooting. 

"Now  I'll  toll  you  about  Ko-wa-wo-non,  about 
throe  hundred  miles  above  St.  Mary,  on  Lake  Supo- 
rior.  When  I  am  at  St.  Mary  a  troder  como  there 
after  skoot-a-wo-boo,  (fire-water.)  By  and  by  ho 
n0  como  to  me  a^  i  say,  Ke-wa-wo-non,  and  speak  to  my 
Indians.  I  feel  very  bad;  something  in  my  heart 
don't  want  to  go.  I  can't  sleep,  thinking  about 
preaching  there.  This  was  November,  very  cold. 
By  and  by  I  think,  I'll  not  go  home :  I'll  go  to  Mr. 
Schoolcraft,  Indian  agent,  on  American  side.  lie  was 
very  pleased  to  havo  me  go,  and  give  mo  provisions. 
Mr.  Holliday,  the  trader,  took  me  to  £o-wa-we-non. 
I  feel  vory  cold  outside,  but  the  fire  was  in  my  heart. 
We  travel  two  weeks.  When  wo  get  there  we  get  all 
the  Indians  together,  and  the  trader  say,  '  This  time  I 
got  no  fire-water,  I  change  my  mind  down  there.' 
The  Indians  very  angry  because  ho  don't  take  skoot- 
a-wa-boo.  By  and  by  I  speak  about  Jesns.  They 
Bay,  'K  we  become  Christians,  we  can't  live  long,  we 
can't  catch  deer  nor  fish :'  bat  I  say,  *Toa  are  much 


,!>,<; 


I'!!ii 


'^y^' 


8PEI0II   or   JOHN    SUNDAY. 


103 


mifltako.  Tlio  whito  man  got  plenty  good  honfios, 
plenty  horses,  ami  cows,  nnd  vessels,  and  plenty 
Bteam-boats,  because  he  worship  tlie  true  God/  I  stay 
seven  months,  talking  in  thoir  wigwams.  By  and  by 
they  begin  to  like  to  hear  about  Jesus,  and  before  I 
come  away  nine  got  religion,  and  eight  more  are  nick 
here,  [pointing  to  his  heart.]  Tliis  summer  I  got  a 
letter  from  an  old  Indian  there.  lie  say,  'We  wish 
you  here  again.  I  very  poor,  got  nothing  but  ono 
old  blanket  coat ;  but  I  know  my  Father  in  hnaven  is 
rich.  When  I  get  there,  I  shall  have  plenty.'  Tliis 
letter  make  mo  cry. 

«  My  dear  white  brothers !  I  thank  you  for  what 
you  have  done.  Fifty  Indians  last  ten  years  whore  I 
come  from  love  Jesus.  Many  die  happy,  and  talk 
about  Jesus  just  before  tliey  die.  Last  summer  I  got 
very  sick ;  I  think  I'm  going  to  die,  but  Jesus  not 
want  me  yet :  the  missionary  meeting  cured  me.  See 
Indians  at  Credit,  Rico  Lake,  and  many  places.  Onco 
they  got  drunk,  fight,  kill  each  other  I  Now  they 
live  in  houses,  raise  their  own  bread.  I  thank  you 
for  give  us  schools :  yes,  now  they  got  schools,  thank 
God.  But  there  many  Indians  back  in  the  woods ; 
the  fields  are  white,  ready  for  the  harvest.  I  wish  I 
had  something  to  give.  Well,  Til  tell  you  what  I'll 
do :  I'll  give  myself  to  God  to  use  mo  a  little.  Jesus 
Christ  say,  ^  I  make  you  fishers  of  men.'  I  want  you 
to  pray  for  tl^ese  fishermen,  [ministers,]  that  they 


•!l''l 


mi 
<  ,1  ' 


' 

ii, 

1 

,  i 

1  ■' : 

'                 1  1 

'  i; 

; 

i 

1 

1 

d   1 

11 

Jl' 

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III: 

! 

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lip 

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11 

mt'^: 

j  ^i       Fl;  |i;|i 

n  i . 

fr      'liii   'k\ 

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m    im 

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i  ill! 

ruiij! 

'1  - 1 

'1   Ph-      ; 

iH 

'  Ii    :  ' 

III      1      .; 

BUI      1     1  j 

104 


LIFE    OP   RfiV.    JOHN    CLAItE. 


may  have  good  luck  this  year.  When  I  go  to  Quebec 
I  liear  a  man  say,  *  I  go  to  Africa,  try  to  catch  black 
lish;'  I'll  try  to  catch  red  fish.  I  hope  when  we 
done  suffer  here  we  shall  go  to  our  Friend  in 
heaven,  and  be  with  him  forever.  This  is  all  I  have 
to  say." 

Tliis  John  Sunday  was  a  man  of  great  good  sense, 
and  no  small  degree  of  shrewdness.  "When  he  was  in 
Canada  East,  some  yeai*s  since,  addressing  missionary 
meetings,  he  perceived  that  many  persons  who  came 
out  of  curiosity  to  hear  him,  would  retire  the  moment 
lie  had  closed  his  address.  This  com'se  he  considered 
rude ;  and  besides,  it  was  prompted  by  covetousness, 
or  a  desire  to  dodge  the  collection ;  and  he  resolved 
to  secure  the  money  firat,  and  then  give  his  speech. 
By  this  course  he  reached  those  who  would  have  en- 
joyed the  luxury  without  contributing  to  the  cause 
in  which  he  was  engaged. 

On  the  arrival  of  Mr.  Clark  at  the  Sault,  he  found 
that  strong  efforts  had  been  made  by  the  Eev.  Mr. 

,  of  the  English  Church,  to  induce  all  the  Indians 

to  remove  to  the  Britit  u  side  of  the  river,  and  place 
themselves  under  his  instructions.  Surely,  low  prose- 
ly  tism  is  confined  to  no  latitude.  The  effort  proved  a 
failure ;  and  the  Methodists,  under  whose  labors  the 
work  commenced,  were  permitted  to  carry  it  forward, 
^nd  train  up  the  convei*tB  whom  God  had  given  them. 


M 


MEETS   THE    INDIANS    IN   COUNCIL.      105 

Our  misionary  lost  no  time  in  preparing  for  future 
operations.  He  met  the  principal  Indians  in  council, 
and  stated  the  object  of  his  coming  among  them, 
asking  their  consent  and  cooperation.  They  de- 
ferred a  final  answer  until  the  next  Monday;  but  in 
the  meantime  the  principal  young  chief  assured  him 
that  nothing  on  their  part  should  hinder  the  erection 
of  a  house  of  worship,  and  a  place  for  a  school. 

The  final  reply  of  the  chiefs  was  favorable ;  indeed, 
all  seemed  anxious  for  a  school.  One  young  chief,  by 
the  name  of  Ke-wan-ze-shaw-wan-no,  said  be  had  no 
heart  to  shut  the  door  against  the  missionary.  He 
had  often  heard  of  the  Great  Spirit,  of  the  good  place 
above,  and  desired  to  go  there-;  but  he  was  weak,  and 
had  no  wisdom,  and  the  evil  would  often  trip  him 
up.  He  wanted  his  children  instructed,  that  they 
might  grow  up  strong  and  resist  the  evil.  Mr.  Clark 
says: 

"  The  whole  was  very  interesting,  and  my  Christian 
sympathies  were  not  a  little  stirred  on  the  occasion. 

"  Brother  Peter  Jones,  with  other  native  speakere, 
came  with  me,  and  are  daily  laboring  among  the 
Indian  brethren.  Their  meetings  are  very  interesting. 
Our  miseion  family  consists  of  myself,  wife,  and  two 
little  children;  with  Miss  Gardner,  of  Troy,  and  Miss 
Bailies,  of  New-York.  We  are  all  in  comfortable 
health  and  good  spirits;  and  feel  that  Providence 
opens  our  way  to  live  and  labor  for  these  lost  sheep. 


f 


«  1 


1 


4i 


Ml 


I 


k 


i( 


IS- .a 


r 


^^.  'ill:, 


W 


hiii 


I 


Ml 


I  i 


i 


106 


lilFB    OF   BEY.    JOHN    OLABK. 


"  By  the  pious  labors  of  Brother  Jones  I  have  been 
much  aided,  both  in  administering  the  ordinances  of 
the  Church,  and  by  his  counsels  in  regard  to  our 
plans  for  future  usefulness  in  the  Chippewa  country. 
I  regard  Sault  Ste.  Marie  but  as  the  thrsshold  of  the 
Indian  country.  By  your  citizens,  I  suppose,  it  is 
called  the  interior;  but,  arrive  here,  and  you  will 
hear  of  the  interior  as  further  west.  Yes,  and  in  that 
interior  I  hope  ere  long  to  sec  the  wandering  Indians 
coming  home  to  Christ.  Glory  be  to  God,  the  work 
is  already  begun  1" 

In  August,  1833,  Mr.  Clark  says:  "My  recent 
visit  to  Green  Bay  has  prevented  my  building ;  but 
I  hope  to  commence  preparing  timber  to-morrow. 
In  this  work  I  am  almost  wholly  alone.  My  only 
sure  dependence  is  upon  Brother  H.  Whitehead,  from 
Troy,  New-York,  who  has  nobly  volunteered  his 
services  without  charge,  except  for  board,  while  he 
is  in  my  employ.  He  is  late  from  England ;  an 
exhorter,  pious  and  useful,  and  by  trade  a  shop-joiner. 
To  hire  laborers  is  almost  impossible;  but  as  I  un- 
derstand the  use  of  the  ax,  saw,  and  hammer,  and, 
to  some  extent,  of  the  plane,  I  shall  put  my  own 
shoulder  to  the  wheel,  and  trust  in  Providence  for 
success." 

As  a  temporary  arrangement,  a  week-day  and 
Sabbath  school  was  commenced  in  their  5wn  hired 
house,  under  the  care  of  Miss  Lydia  Gardner,  of 


%: 


SABBATH    AT    GREEN    BAY. 


107 


Troy,  New- York.  Class-meetings  were  held  weekly, 
and  prayer-meetings  four  and  five  times  each  week. 
Let  none  despise  those  little  meetings,  or  imagine 
that  the  worship  of  the  Indians  is  not  intelligent  and 
acceptable.  Their  praying  is  always  with  simple 
earnestness,  and  often  with  "strong  crying  and  tears;" 
and  their  singing  is  strangely  sweet  and  melodious. 
Take  the  following  beautiful  testimony  from  Colonel 
M'Kenney. 


"A  SABBATH  MOBNINO  AT  GBEEN  BAT. 

"  How  rarely  has  it  happened,  in  the  course  of  my 
observations,  that  this  holy  day  has  been  vexed  with 
the  strife  of  elements.  On  the  contraiy,  all  is  still. 
The  voice  of  their  Maker  would  seem  to  have  hushed 
river  and  forest  into  silence ;  and  then  to  have  bade 
the  sun  to  wheel  himself  up  from  his  depths  in  the  east, 
and  pour  over  all,  unobscured  by  clouds,  a  tempered 
heat,  and  crown  the  world  with  special  loveliness. 

"The  dawn  of  this  morning  was  peculiarly  beautiful. 
*  Kosy  fingers  seemed  to  unbar  the  gates  of  light.' 
Violet  and  purple,  with  a  wide  and  widening  circle 
of  *  orient  pearl,'  all  meet  my  eye  with  their  charming 
and  chastening  influence.  And  then  such  a  silence  t 
Not  a  leaf  rustled  in  the  wind,  and  the  waves  broke 
in  softer  murmurs  on  the  shore.  The  tree-tops  now 
began  to  revel  in  the  beams,  and  the  highlands  to 
drink  in  the  sparkling  glory,  till  the  entire  ckcuit  of 


1 1 


^  ■I!''! 


\'\. 


m, 


!'|!!i 


: 


r.iJi|! '11 
ii   j! 

I''  J! 


m 


108 


LIFE    or    REV.    JOHN   CLARK. 


the  heavens  was  full  of  the  mingled  splendors  of  this 
Sabbath  morn. 

"Yet  all  thJ3  silence  was  broken  in  upon  this 
morning ;  for  just  at  the  time  when  the  eastern  sky 
was  made  mellow  by  the  sun's  rays,  and  all  was  so 
quiet,  my  ears  were  greeted  with  the  soft  sounds  of 
music.  They  came  from  the  lodge  of  Christian  In- 
dians, which  was  hard  by  in  the  woods.  They  had 
risen  with  the  day  to  worship  God.  They  sung  in 
three  parts — ^bass,  tenor,  and  treble — and  with  time 
so  true,  and  voices  so  sweet,  as  to  add  harmony  even 
to  nature  itself.  I  attended  their  worship,  and  was 
with  them  again  in  the  evening ;  and  as  I  listened  to 
their  praises  and  prayers,  I  felt  humbled  and  ashamed 
of  my  country,  in  view  of  the  wrongs  it  had  inflicted, 
and  continues  to  inflict,  upon  these  desolate  and  desti- 
tute children  of  the  forest.  Flowers  and  gems  were 
there,  which  needed  only  to  be  cultivated  and 
polished,  to  insure  from  the  one  the  emission  of  as 
sweet  odors  as  ever  regaled  the  circles  of  the 
civilized,  and  from  the  other  a  brilliance  as  dazzling 
as  ever  sparkled  in  the  diadem  of  queenly  beauty ; 
and  yet  they  were,  and  are,  neglected,  trodden  down, 
and  treated  as  outcasts." 

In  the  summer  of  1833,  the  superintendent  con- 
tracted for  two  houses — the  one  for  a  school,  and  the 
other  for  the  teacher — ^at  Duck  Creek,  where  the 
Indians  were  intending  to  remove ;  for  they  had  sold 


«.:ii 


m 

uV    I 


DANIEL    ADAMS. 


109 


their  lands  near  Green  Bay.  The  houses  were  to  bo 
made  substantial  and  comfortable  for  three  hund- 
red dollars.  Tlio  ochool  had  prospered  well  under 
the  care  of  Miss  Quinney,  the  native  teacher.  At 
an  examination  at  the  end  of  the  first  year,  Mr. 
Clark  says:  "In  all  the  branches  taught  there  had 
been  a  very  encouraging  proficiency ;  and  in  geog- 
raphy, history,  and  mental  arithmetic,  the  examina- 
tion was  truly  interesting."  Miss  Quinney  had  re- 
cently become  the  wife  of  the  native  missionary, 
Daniel  Adams. 

This  devoted  missionary  and  his  pious  and  in- 
telligent wife,  after  laboring  for  some  years  in  that 
place,  went  among  their  people  in  the  Kansas 
country,  as  missionaries.  There  Mr.  Adams  died  in 
the  Lord ;  and  his  pious  widow  still  lives  and  labors 
in  that  region. 

In  the  autumn  of  1844,  Bishop  Morris,  in  com- 
pany with  other  brethren  on  their  way  to  the  Indian 
Mission  Conference,  at  Tallequah,  in  the  Cherokee 
Nation,  spent  a  Sabbath  at  the  Seneca  Mission,  the 
late  field  of  Mr.  Adams's  missionary  toil.  He  had 
been  dead  a  few  months,  and  was  much  lamented ;  for 
he  had  when  living  the  affections  of  the  people  of  his 
charge.  Mrs.  Adams  still  occupies  the  mission  house, 
in  which  the  bishop  preached  on  the  Sabbath.  He 
beara  witness  to  her  intelligence,  piety,  hospitality, 
and  general  good  character  among  her  neighbors. 


'    if 


m 


J  5  L 

hit  .  i 


110 


LIFE   OF   BBV.   JOHN   OLARK. 


A 


*• :! 


V 


ii    ii 


CHAPTER  IX. 

INDIAN  MISSIONS— CONTINUED.  * 

Fort  Brady,  its  History— Rovival— First  Winter  at  Sault  Ste.  Mario— 
Extout  of  Cliargo— Whisky  Drinking— AbBtinonco  of  Members— 
Letter  to  the  Board— Extent  of  Labors— Statistics- His  Desire  ibr 
Helpers — Bepoated  Call — Perils  by  Water— Passage  from  Sault  Ste. 
Mario  to  Green  Bay— Indian  Christians  caring  for  Belativea— Arrival 
at  tho  Bay— Indian  Thrift— Society  prosperous. 

FoBT  Bbady,  at  Sault  Ste.  Marie,  was  established  in 
1822,  under  the  superintendence  of  General  Brady. 
It  is  situated  on  gently  rising  ground,  at  the  head 
of  the  navigable  waters  of  the  Ste.  Marie,  the  river 
which  connects  the  waters  of  Lakes  Superior  and 
lluron.  The  garrison  was  under  the  control  of 
"the  wicked  one"  until  1828,  wlien  it  pleased  Goc^ 
to  bring  two  of  the  officers  to  the  knowledge  of  tho 
truth.  These  gentlemen,  by  their  piety  and  Chris- 
tian firmness,  contributed  not  a  little  to  the  moral 
improvement  of  the  garrison.  In  1832  there  was 
a  good  work  of  grace,  under  the  labors  of  Rev. 
Messrs.  Bingham,  of  the  Baptist,  and  Porter,  of  the 
Congregational  Church,  both  of  whom  were  mis- 
sionaries at  that  place.  A  little  before  this  work 
began  at  the  Fort,  there  was  a  gracious  revival 


J 


!  i! 


REVIVAL  AT  FORT  BRADT. 


Ill 


among  the  Indians  in  the  vicinity,  under  the  labors 
of  John  Sunday,  as  has  been  intimated  elsewhere. 
In  the  Fort  nearly  every  officer,  and  thirty  or  forty 
soldiers,  were  brought  to  Christ. 

This  command  was  soon  after  removed  to  Chicago, 
and  was  succeeded  by  another,  which  also  loft  early 
in  1833.  In  the  month  of  August  of  that  year,  and 
soon  after  Mr.  Clark  commenced  his  labors  there, 
the  new  garrison  was  favored  with  a  "time  of  re- 
freshing from  the  presence  of  the  Lord."  The 
circulation  of  tracts,  the  ministry  of  the  word,  fre- 
quent meetings  for  prayer,  and  Bible-class  instruc- 
tion, were  the  means  which  wore  rendered  effectual, 
by  the  Spirit  of  grace,  in  the  promotion  of  the  good 
work.  Under  date  of  January  1,  1834,  Mr.  Clark 
writes  as  follows : 

"From  the  time  of  the  first  case  of  conversion 
until  now  the  work  has  continued.  Although  wo 
have  seen  little  that  has  resembled  the  'mighty 
rushing  wind,'  or  earthquake  shock,  still  the  work 
appears  to  be  of  the  genuine  stamp.  The  profane 
have  learned  to  pray,  the  inebriates  turn  from  the 
liquid  fire,  and  *take  the  cup  of  salvation.'  O  it 
would  gladden  the  hearts  of  the  pious,  in  city  or 
country,  to  see  officers,  and  soldiers,  and  citizens 
mingle  in  our  circles  of  prayer  and  praise,  bowing 
together  at  the  same  altar  of  mercy,  invoking  mercy 
for  each  other,  for  the  poor  Indians  around  us,  and 


K 


,  jr^«*«* 


if 


I'  I ' 


I 


ii\''y 


■;  pip 


112 


LIFE    OF   REV.    JOHN   OLARK. 


for  all  the  world!  Some  found  salvation  alone  in 
•  the  woods,  others  when  on  duty  in  the  guard-box. 
A  few  evenings  sinco,  I  read  in  a  public  meeting 
the  tract  entitled,  *The  Conversion  of  a  Deist,' 
which  was  the  means  of  awakening  a  fine  young 
officer,  who  has  taken  a  firm  stand  on  the  side  of 
religion,  erected  the  family  altar,  and  daily  offers 
sacrifice  to  the  God  of  heaven." 

Besides  adding  several  members  to  the  society, 
this  work  led  to  careful  searchings  of  the  Scrip- 
tures ;  and  Mr.  Clark  had  the  pleasure  of  ordering 
seven  copies  of  Clarke's  Commentary  on  tlie  Old 
Testament,  fifteen  on  the  New,  and  one  of  Henry's 
Commentary,  all  for  persons  in  the  garrison  who 
had  given  him  their  orders.  During  the  whole 
time  of  Mr.  Clark's  connection  with  the  Indian 
work,  he  received  the  most  cordial  reception  at 
Fort  Brady,  and  both  officers  and  soldiers  con- 
ferred upon  him  many  tokens  of  esteem. 

He  was  now  passing  his  first  winter  in  that  lati- 
tude, almost  wholly  shut  out  by  ice  and  snow  from 
the  civilized  world.  Four  mails  in  the  winter  were 
all  they  could  hope  for,  and  these  were  carried  by 
Indians  or  Canadians,  on  foot,  through  a  pathless 
forest,  and  along  the  margins  of  lakes  and  rivers, 
making  the  distance  to  Detroit,  via  Mackinaw,  four 
hundred  miles. 

His  charge  included  Green  Bay,  Sault  Ste.  Marie, 


*%mmmM.. 


■>yt,  at^,; 


'  rflj^ 


"'■'■'J^V^  *-'*«- jrtK*>  A- ■ 


,▼*••.  -^  A 


EXTENT   OF    UI8   OHAROE. 


118 


and  Ko-wa-wo-non.  From  tho  Bay  to  tlio  Sault 
is  about  one  hundred  miles,  and  thence  to  Ke-wa- 
we-non  about  two  hundred  and  fifty,  making  quite 
an  extensive  circuit,  and  one  which,  at  certain 
seasons  of  the  year,  was  both  painful  and  perilous 
to  travel.  The  members  of  the  Indian  class  are 
represented  as  being  firmly  attached  to  the  religion 
of  Christ,  with  some  addition  to  their  numbers. 
The  greatest  diflSculty  with  which  the  missionary 
had  to  contend  among  the  Indians,  was  their  love  of 
strong  drink,  which  was  furnished  at  every  trading- 
post,  by  men  who,  like  all  others  of  their  craft,  were 
more  unprincipled  and  vile  than  the  poor  besotted 
Indian  himself.  But,  with  constant  vigilance,  the 
formation  of  temperance  societies,  and  tho  aid  of 
Divine  grace,  the  converted  Indians  were  preserved. 
Mr.  Clark  says : 

"The  advent  of  the  New  Year  is  an  event  of 
great  joy  and  festivity  among  the  Indians;  and 
while  those  who  remain  in  their  pagan  state,  and 
those  who  belong  to  the  Eomanists,  are  much 
under  the  influence  of  strong  drink,  the  members 
of  our  mission  are  steadfast  in  the  principles  and 
practice  of  temperance.  Every  one,  so  far  as  I 
know,  abstained  from  every  kind  of  intoxicating 
drink." 

About  this  time  an  appropriation  was  made  to 
the  Indians  of  this  mission  by  the  agent,  Mr.  School- 

8  ■  •'"- 


M 


&-  1 


'    tf 


-ill  I 


114 


LIFB   or    KEY.    JOHN    OLARK. 


crafl,  of  a  yoko  of  oxen,  a  plow,  a  harrow  and 
chains,  to  bo  nndor  tho  caro  and  direction  of  tho 
miesionary.  Such  an  appropriation  was  oxcood- 
ingly  valuable,  and  added  much  to  the  facilitien 
for  agricultural  work,  which  Mr.  Clark  was  intro- 
ducing as  extensively  as  practicable. 

On  tho  21st  of  February,  1884,  he  writes :  "  Tliua 
far  our  winter  has  passed  much  more  pleasantly  than 
I  had  anticipated.  Wo  have  had  much  snow,  but 
our  coldest  weather  has  been  but  eighteen  degrees 
below  zero;  and  my  time  has  been  so  constantly 
employed  in  tho  various  duties  of  my  office,  that 
I  found  no  place  for  discontent,  and  nu  time  to 
cast  an  anxious  look  toward  tho  civilized  world. 
I  think  often,  indeed,  of  my  Christian  friends  in 
various  places;  yet,  I  am  happy  in  my  lot,  and 
earnestly  desire  that  I  may  do  the  work  assigned 
me,  acceptably  to  the  Church,  and  to  the  glory  of 
God. 

"My  weekly  labors  are  as  follows:  Preach  to 
the  citizens  and  garrison  in  tho  town,  on  Sunday 
morning ;  to  the  Indians,  at  half  past  twelve  P.  M., 
at  the  office  of  the  agent ;  to  the  garrison,  at  three 
P.  M.,  at  the  school-house  in  the  Fort;  and  attend 
prayer-meeting  at  the  same  place  in  the  evening. 
Tuesday  evening,  Bible-class  for  tho  officers  and 
their  families.  Wednesday  evening,  preach  to  the 
Indians  and  citizens  in  the  town.     Thursday  even- 


T 


BTATISTIC8    OF   TUB   MISSION. 


115 


ingf  Biblo-clnss  for  the  soldiers.     Friday  evening, 
))rayor-mceting  in  the  Fort." 

Tliis  plan  Uomandod  diligence  and  toil,  and  taken 
in  connection  with  the  domcHtic,  and  other  duties  of 
the  missionary,  wonld  allow  but  little  time  for  either 
discontent  or  relaxation ;  and  in  tlie  midst  of  all  this 
labor  and  core,  his  health  was  otlten  very  far  from 
being  good.  At  the  above  date,  tlie  statistical  report 
is  as  follows: 

1.  One  school,  with  a  female  teacher  and  thirty 
scholars,  all  natives  and  half-breeds. 

2.  Tliree  classes  and  fifty-nine  members ;  forty  na- 
tives and  nineteen  whites. 

8.  There  have  been  employed  since  May,  three 
native  exhorters;  one  for  the  year,  one  for  six  months, 
and  one  for  four  months.  All  could  speak  English, 
ond  one  could  read  a  little.  An  interpreter  (Henry 
Snake)  had  been  employed  since  October.  Ho 
could  read  and  write,  as  well  as  speak  English. 
Two  of  these  natives  had  labored  mostly  at  Ke-wa- 
we-non. 

None  but  a  missionary  among  pagans,  a  witness  of 
their  darkness  and  degradation,  can  fully  realize  the 
imperative  demand  for  laborers.  Mr.  Clark  had 
seen  and  felt  this  demand ;  and  "  his  spirit  was  stirred 
within  him,"  while  he  saw  the  length  and  breadth  of 
the  field,  together  with  the  new  openings  for  the  en- 
trance of  the  Qospel.    It  will  not  appear  surprising, 


I 


(1 


11 


♦•  » 


'I    " 


liil 


U6 


LirE  or  RKV.  JOHN  clark. 


then,  that  his  calls  should  bo  oaniost  and  importunato. 
Ho  sayn : 

*'  Ono  oxcollent  brothor  writes  mo  from  tho  East, 
*  I  foar  you  will  covor  moro  ground  than  yon  can  cul- 
tivate woll.'  WoU,  what  shall  I  do  i  Shall  I  hang 
up  my  sicklo  while  tho  distant  Holds  are  white  to  tho 
harvest  ?  My  heart,  my  soul,  every  Christian  sympa- 
thy of  my  natuic  «ays.  No !  But  I  will  tlirust  it  in  on 
every  side,  as  the  Lord  gives  mo  strength,  trusting  that 
tho  Church  will  send  forth  some  of  her  numerous  sons 
to  assist  in  binding  tho  sheaves,  and  gathering  them 
into  the  gamer  of  God." 

Again  ho  writes : 

*^  I  am  in  want  of  two  young  men  of  sound  sense 
and  piety,  and  other  qualifications  requisite  for 
school-teaching,  to  go  into  tho  interior  this  season,  to 
teach  Indian  schools.  I  have  already  written  to 
several  persons  on  this  subject,  but  have  received  no 
encouragement.  I  am  in  dist^'oss,  fearing  I  may  not 
obtain  this  help  I  It  is  importau*;;  indeed,  it  is  indis- 
pensable to  our  success.  Whoever  will  volunteer, 
being  qualified  for  the  work,  will  find  a  healthy  cli- 
mate, enough  to  eat  for  the  support  of  life ;  and,  if 
faithful,  great  consolation  of  mind  in  their  toil.  Tho 
places  for  which  they  are  wanted  are  Ke-wa-we-non, 
and  Lac  du  Flangeau.    O,  who  will  go  ?" 

Help  was  not  long  in  coming,  but  I  must  not  anti* 
cipate. 


MOPE    OP    TnAVETi    BY    WATEH. 


nr 


To  pfivo  the  rojulor  nomo  Ideaof  tlio  toiln  aiuI  prrllH 
of  our  tiuHHionary,  8oino  extrnctH  i'roin  IiIh  Icttur  to  llio 
Board  aro  lioru  iiiHurtud.  Tho  letter  m  (luted  Sault 
Stv.  Maru.,  May  31 :  ^ 

"Oil  the  2l8t  of  April  I  left  this  place  to  visit  the 
iniHsiou  nt  (ireeti  Bay,  ond  woh  absent  two  weeks 
longer  than  I  expected  to  bo.  Such  is  our  mode  of 
traveling  by  water,  that  there  is  no  certainty  when 
we  shall  reach  a  given  point ;  and  in  tho  inidut  of 
urgent  business  wo  aro  often  subjected  to  painful 
delays. 

*^Mondai/j  Aj/ril  iiUt — Loft  at  4  P.  M.  for  (keen 
Hay.  Took  pasHage  to  Mackinaw  in  a  largo  Macki- 
naw boat,  about  thirty  feet  long,  and  eight  feet  wide, 
and  about  thirty  inches  deep :  boat  open  from  bow 
to  stern.  Tin's  is  the  kind  of  craft  employed  in  tho 
Indian  trade  on  Lake  Superior.  Our  boat  is  propel- 
led by  six  oars,  and  one  man  to  stec.  It  is  furnished 
with  two  split  or  side  sails,  to  hoist  to  tho  wind  when 
fair.  Besides  master  and  crow,  wo  have  four  paasen- 
gei*s.  Wo  put  off  with  a  high  wind  quartering  ahead, 
and  cold.  At  sunset  got  into  a  small  creek  to  en- 
camp, having  made  eight  miles. 

"  Tuesday,  22d. — Wind  high  and  cold,  with  rain, 
hail,  and  snow.  Our  bed  is  kept  from  tho  water  by 
a  board  thrown  across  two  poles.  Tlio  swamp  is  full 
of  water  all  around  us.    Remained  in  camp  to-day. 

"  Wednesday,  2dd. — Got  under  weigh  at  4  A.  M., 


m^mt- 


11       !:l, 


118 


LIFE    OF    KEV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


■Ii    ! 


and  roweil  eighteen  milea  to  Pickerell  Point,  south- 
west slioro  of  Muddy  Lake,  for  breakfast.  Hero  one 
of  my  neighbors  put  up  forty  barrels  of  piekerel  in 
seven  days.  Left  this  point  at  noon,  wind  fresh  and 
directly  aft.  Hoisted  sails,  and  in  four  hours  landed 
on  a  point  two  miles  from  Lake  Huron.  This  sail 
was  unpleasant,  as  the  weather  was  heavy  with  snow, 
so  much  so,  that  at  times  we  made  our  courae  wholly 
at  a  venture.  Encamped  for  the  night,  and  our  tent- 
cloth  soon  froze,  being  wet.      ,      . 

"  Thursday^  24:th. — ^Wind  ahead.  At  noon  made  a 
push  for  the  open  lake,  and  after  rowing  three  lioura 
came  under  Point  St.  Vital,  seven  miles  from  our  last 
camp.  ' 

^^FHday,  25th. — ^Weather  cold,  wind  high,  and  in 
our  teeth.  At  4  P.  M.  wind  lulled  a  little ;  made 
a  hard  push  to  reach  the  north  chrnnel,  which  we 
gained  by  dark,  and  came-to  for  supper,  and  to  wait 
for  the  moon  to  light  our  weary  course.  At  10  left 
our  camp  and  a  good  fire.  I  wrapped  myself  in 
blankets  and  lay  down  in  the  boat.  The  crew  soon 
lost  their  way,  and  after  rowing  about  in  the  different 
channels  until  a  late  hour  of  the  night,  struck  a  fire 
on  sn  island,  and  lay  down  to  wait  for  day.  I  re- 
mained in  the  boat,  and  on  waking  in  the  morning 
found  myself  covered  with  snow. 

"  Saturday^  26th. — At  sunrise  were  on  the  move ; 
soon  found  our  route,  and  at  8  A.  M.  brought  up  at  a 


8EARGH    FOB    A    PRODIGAL. 


119 


email  Indian  settlomont,  sixteen  miles  from  Macki- 
naw, llie  head  man  (called  Skem-wa-wa)  received 
us  into  his  lodge  with  great  cordiality.  Here  we  spent 
the  day.  Wind  high,  and  direct  ahead.   Weather  cold. 

^^  Sunday^  27th. — ^Left  om*  kind  Indian  host  at  2 
A.  M.,  and  after  seven  hours'  hard  toil,  through  wind 
and  cold,  came  to  Mackinaw  in  thne  for  breakfast, 
which  chimed  well  with  our  wants,  for  our  stores  were 
nearly  exhausted.  Here,  after  a  week  of  toil  through 
wind  and  waves,  I  found  it  grateful  and  refreshing  to 
my  spirit,  to  join  in  the  public  services  of  the  house 
of  God.  I  preached  at  3  P.  M.  at  the  Fort,  to  a  large 
and  serious  congregation  of  officers,  soldiers,  and  citi- 
ens.  I  reached  Mackinaw  just  in  time  to  miss  a  direct 
passage  to  the  Bay,  and  waiting  for  which  I  was  de- 
tained eleven  days." 

While  he  was  waiting  for  a  vessel  on  which  he 
could  embark  for  the  Bay,  an  Indian  youth,  of 
eighteen  years  of  age,  with  his  parents,  both  pious, 
came  to  secure  his  aid  in  finding  a  poor  prodigal, 
whom  they  believed  to  be  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Bay. 
It  was  arranged  that  James,  the  son,  should  accom- 
pany Mr.  Clark,  and  search  for  his  poor,  drunken 
brother,  and,  if  possible,  bring  him  back  to  his 
parents,  that  they  might  teach  him  the  way  of  the 
Lord.  When  the  schooner  arrived  at  Mackinaw,  it 
was  detained  two  days  by  contrary  winds,  and  in 
the  hurry  and  confusion  of  embarking  early  in  the 


* 


M 


I  i 


iri 


10m    ii  I 


i« 


120 


LIFE    OF    REV.    JOHN   CLARK. 


morning,  he  forgot  his  young  Indian  and  left  him 
sleeping.  An  hour  passed,  and  ho  remembered  his 
fault,  and  tried  to  charter  the  yawl  to  go  back 
after  the  youth,  as  the  wind  had  died  away,  and 
they  were  at  a  stand;  but  the  captain  declined. 
But  James  was  soon  seen  to  approach  in  a  little 
skiff,  with  several  Indian  lads  whom  he  had  rallied 
to  row  him  to  the  vessel.  After  rowing  five  miles 
they  came  alongside,  and  were  taken  on  board. 
James  found  his  drunken  brother,  and,  after  spend- 
ing some  time,  persuaded  him  to  go  back  to  his 
parents.  When  on  the  point  of  embarking  in  a 
canoe,  James  called  on  Mr.  Clark  to  report  his 
success,  but  added,  "  Neen-kah-go-coo-coosh-kiga, 
pah-qua-zhe-gun,"  {i.  e.,  he  had  no  pork,  no  bread, 
nothing  to  eat.)  Mr.  Clark  gave  him  provisions 
for  ten  days,  and  he  bore  it  off,  saying,  "  Me  quash, 
me  quash,"  (thank  you,  thank  you.)  Tliey  spread 
their  blanket  for  a  sail,  and  were  soon  out  of  sight. 
So  Christianity  inspires  Indians,  as  well  as  others, 
to  care  for  the  bodies  and  souls  of  their  relatives. 

Mr.  Clark  reached  Green  Bay  on  the  8th  of  May, 
and  preached  at  Fort  Howard  in  the  evening.  On 
Tuesday  the  10th,  he  visited  the  Indian  mission  at 
Duck  Creek,  the  Indians  having  sold  their  pos- 
sessions on  Fox  River,  the  place  where  vhe  mission 
was  first  established.  He  attended  a  prayer-meeting 
in  the  evening,  and  found  it  a  refreshing  season. 


DUOE    OBBEK    MISSION. 


12t 


The  evidences  of  thrift  which  he  saw  on  every 
hand  were  very  cheering.  Ton  or  twelve  families 
had  built  comfortable  log-houses,  and,  in  all,  had 
cut  about  forty-five  acres  of  timber,  piled  the  logs, 
and  put  most  of  it  in  readiness  for  the  seed.  They 
had  split,  and  put  in  good  fence,  about  sQven 
thousand  oak-rails,  and  all  without  one  drop  of 
whisky.  The  native  missionary,  Daniel  Adams,  was 
comfortably  settled  in  his  snug  log-house,  and  was 
faithful  and  active  in  his  work.  Mr.  Crawford,  a 
native  teacher  anu  local  preacher,  was  diligent  and 
useful.  Mr.  Clark  had  an  eye  to  everything  which 
bore  upon  the  temporal  and  spiritual  interests  of 
that  interesting  people.  He  preached,  prayed,  and 
planned;  "taught  them  publicly,  and  from  house 
to  house ;"  and  before  leaving  he  administered  bap- 
tism and  the  Lord's  Supper.  He  speaks  of  this 
season  as  one  of  peculiar  interest.  He  could  say 
to  them,  in  the  words  of  St.  Paul,  "For  now  we 
live,  if  ye  stand  fast  in  the  Lord." 


i 


'^^ 


?  i 


122 


LIPB   OP    REV.    JOHN   CLARK. 


CHAPTER  X. 

t 

INDIAN   MISSIONS— CONTINUED. 

Kc-wa-we-non— Mr.  HoUiday— John  Sunday— Small  Beginning— Suc- 
cess—M'Qco  and  Frazicr— Conversion  of  an  old  Sinner— Indian 
Privation  and  Perseverance— Affection  of  Indian  Converts  to  Spiritual 
Teachers— Mrs.  Clark's  Letter— Mr.  Clark  in  poor  Health— Grand 
Traverse  Bay— Failure  of  the  Mission,  and  the  Cause- Traders  favor- 
able to  Schools  and  Missions — Bomauism  always  ovil. 

Ke-wa-we-non  is  the  name  of  a  large  bay  on  tlio 
south  side  of  Lake  Superior.  It  is  about  two  hund- 
red and  fifty  miles  from  Sault  Ste.  Marie,  and 
is  called,  on  the  latest  maps,  Ke-we-naw.  At  this 
place  was  a  band  of  Indians,  of  about  two  hundred 
and  fifty  in  number,  degraded,  drunken,  and  quar- 
relsome. When  Mr.  John  Ilolliday,  the  trader  at 
that  post,  returned  in  1832,  he  took  no  whisky 
with  him;  but  he  took  that  which  was  far  better, 
namely.  Rev.  John  Sunday,  the  Chippewa  mis- 
sionary, whose  address  at  a  missionary  meeting 
has  been  given  in  a  former  chapter. 

On  their  arrival,  Mr.  Ilolliday  called  the  In- 
dians together,  and  told  them  that  he  had  brought 
no  whisky,  and  introduced  Mr.  Sunday  as  one  who 
could  teach  them  the  true  religion.  They  were 
very  angry,  and  refused  to  hear  the  new  teacher, 


^IB**' 


OPPOSITION    OVERCOME. 


128 


saying  his  coming  was  in  vain,  for  they  wore  de- 
termined to  hold  fast  the  religion  of  their  fathers. 
Tliis  was  not  a  very  promising  beginning ;  but  Sun- 
day had  prayed  over  the  matter  before  consenting 
to  go  with  Mr.  IloUiday,  and,  fnlly  believing  that 
he  was  in  the  way  of  duty,  determined  to  remain. 
He  told  the  old  chief,  who  was  very  obstinate,  that 
although  he  might  be  opposed  to  the  religion  of 
Christ,  yet  ho  should  stay  and  speak  to  all  whoso 
hearts  the  Great  Spirit  might  dispose  to  hear  him. 

Tlie  next  morning  two  little  girls  came  and 
stood  before  Mr.  Ilolliday's  door,  and  Sunda^f  in- 
quired what  they  wanted.  Tliey  said,  "Our  father 
sent  us  hero  to  be  instructed."  He  called  them  in, 
and  gave  them  their  first  lesson.  On  seeing  this, 
Mr.  HoUiday  immediately  prepared  a  place  for 
meetings  and  a  school,  and  Sunday  opened  his 
school  with  the  two  girls.  Tliese  invited  othei"s, 
and  soon  he  had  fifteen  in  attendance. 

Tliese  quickly  learned  the  alphabet,  and  most  of 
them  the  Lord's  Prayer,  the  Apostle's  Creed,  and 
the  Decalogue  in  Chippewa.  In  a  short  time  two 
adult  Indians  ventured  out  to  hear  the  word ;  and  in 
two  weeks  one  of  their  great  hunters,  a  medicine  man, 
a  conjurer,  renounced  his  paganism,  gave  up  his  con- 
juring apparatus,  and  embraced  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  as  his  Saviour.  From  that  time  opposition 
abated,  and  the  work  spread.    In  the  course  of  the 


i!k.  tn 


IP 


124 


LIFE   OP   REV.    JOHN   CLAHK. 


^y 


winter  nine  gave  evidence  of  a  change  of  lieart,  and 
as  many  more  wore  "  pricked  in  the  heart ;"  and  a 
Btill  larger  number  theoretically  abandoned  pagan- 
ism. For  several  days  before  Sunday  left,  his  little 
church,  as  he  called  it,  was  thronged  by  the  Indians 
from  morning  till  night,  expressing  their  sorrow  at 
his  leaving,  and  anxiously  inquiring  if  any  one  else 
would  come  and  teach  their  children,  and  speak  to 
them  the  words  which  ho  had  spoken. 

Sunday  was  succeeded  by  Thomas  M'Gee  and 
Thomas  Frazer;  the  latter  passed  the  winter  of  183i 
at  that  mission.  Tliey  both  left  in  the  preceding 
autumn ;  and  on  the  return  of  Frazer  he  found  that 
evil  influences  had  been  brought  to  bear  upon  the 
little  band.  But  he  applied  himself  to  the  work  with 
new  energy,  and  soon  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  a 
better  state  of  things.  One  interesting  case  he  re- 
lated to  Mr.  Clarke :  '  '  - 

"  One  morning  I  visited  the  camp  of  a  very  old 
squaw,  who,  by  reason  of  age  and  infirmity,  could 
not  walk.  On  reaching  the  place,  I  felt  an  uncom- 
mon sensation  through  soul  and  body ;  and  as  soon 
as  I  began  to  speak  she  felt  the  same.  She  had  been 
a  great  juggler  among  the  Indians ;  and  as  all  such 
liave  great  influence,  she  had  not  failed  to  exert  it  to 
oppose  *  the  way  of  the  Lord.'  But  when  I  spoke  to 
iier  about  her  soul,  she  felt,  as  she  afterward  ex- 
pressed it,  as  Mf  some  one  had  taken  hold  of  her 


II  ,ti' 


a*i 


LABORS    OF    FRAZER. 


125 


heart,  and  turned  it  right  about.'  She  brought  forth 
her  niush-ko-moot,  (modicino  sack,)  and  cast  it  away, 
saying  she  would  try  to  give  her  heart  to  the  Great 
Spirit.  She  did  so  in  good  earnest,  and  is  now  a 
devout  worshiper  of  the  true  God.  She  often  says  in 
class,  *  Could  I  walk  about,  I  would  go  and  tell  all 
my  friends  what  I  have  found,  and  exliort  them  to 
go  and  hear  the  good  words.' " 

From  January  to  the  opening  of  spring,  Frazer 
was  engaged  in  holding  meetings  from  camp  to  camp, 
some  of  which  wore  ten  miles  apart,  in  a  roadless 
forest,  with  deep  snow.  But,  mounting  his  snow- 
shoes,  he  passed  on,  cheerfully  doing  his  Master's 
will.  During  one  of  his  long  excursions,  his  only 
food  for  a  week  was  maple  sugar  and  the  flesh  of  por- 
cupines, which  he  took  with  his  gun.  One  young 
Indian  convert  was  so  zealous  in  the  good  cause, 
that  he  traveled  fron.  camp  to  camp  for  four 
days,  telling  what  the  Lord  had  done  for  him, 
and  tasting  no  morsel  of  food  during  the  whole 
time. 

In  July,  1834,  there  were  between  twenty-five 
and  thirty,  who  gave  good  evidence  of  a  saving 
change.  On  Mr.  Clark's  visit  to  them  about  that 
time,  he  baptized  fifteen,  and  broke  bread  to  about 
forty.  When  Mr.  Frazer  left  his  home,  at  Grape 
Island,  Canada,  those  fifteen,  with  some  others,  went 
with  him  in  their  canoes  to  Sault  Ste.  Marie,  a 


',1 

1 


I  I 


126 


LIFE    OF  REV.   JOHN    OLARK. 


distnnco  of  two  Inmdrod  and  fifty  miles ;  bo  attached 
wore  they  to  the  man  who  had  led  them  to  Christ. 
How  strong  is  the  affection  of  young  converts  to 
their  spiritual  fathers!  They  followed  St.  Paul  to 
the  sea-shore,  and  said  their  adieus  with  reluctance. 
And  these  newly-gathered  lambs  of  the  flock  clung 
to  their  shepherds,  Sunday  and  Frazer,  with  equal 
affection.  Truly,  those  native  preachers  are  the  true 
successors  of  the  apostles ;  and  these  native  converts 
are  within  the  "  covenanted  mercies  of  God." 

The  following  letter  from  Mi's.  Clark  is  inserted, 
in  order  that  the  reader  may  obtain  a  kind  of  domes- 
tic view,  and  be  convinced  that  timid,  feeble  women 
can  bear  much  for  God  and  souls,  and  yet  be  cheer- 
ful and  happy ; 

"Sattlt  Stb.  Marib,  June  80, 1884. 

My  Dear  Sister :  Your  very  kind  letter  and  trunk  of 

goods  did  not  arrive  until  May  8d.  A  constant  press  of  business 
has  prevented  an  answer  until  the  present.  But  will  you,  my 
dear  sister,  accept  our  earnest  and  most  sincere  thanks  for  tho 
benevolent  acts  and  kind  attentions  yon  have  paid  us  in  this 
distant  land?  and  may  all  wrho  are  thus  engaged  with  you  share 
largely  in  the  blessings  of  our  most  merciful  Father.  Surely  it  is 
more  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive;  and  the  blessed  Saviour  hath 
said,  "  Whosoever  shall  give  a  cup  of  cold  water  in  the  name  of  a 
disciple,  shall  not  lose  his  reward."  It  is  a  heart-cheering 
thought  to  us,  in  all  our  toils  and  privations,  that  we  are 
remembered  by  dear  Christian  friends,  and  even  by  some  whose 
faces  we  have  never  beheld. 

I  cannot  express  the  grateful  emotions  of  my  heart  while 


10 


LETTER    FKOM    MIlS.    CLARK. 


J« 


handling  ovor  tho  goods  you  sent  us,  and  those  of  a  box 
from  NoW'Tork,  which  arrived  at  tho  same  time.  I  could  not 
repress  tho  silent  tear ;  and  I  thouglit,  if  Divine  Providence  hns  not 
given  inc  property  to  bestow  upon  these  poor  outcasts,  the  little 
strength  and  time  allotted  me  shall  cheerfully  bo  devoted  to  their 
service.  Wo  hopo  none  of  our  dear  friends  will  fool  neglected 
that  wo  do  not  write  more  of  the  particulars  of  our  situation. 
As  to  our  sufferings,  we  tliink  them  "  not  worthy  to  be  compared 
with  Clio  glory  which  shall  bo  revealed  in  us,"  if  fait'  ul  to  the 
grace  given. 

As  respects  our  school,  we  should  be  happy  if  wo  could  make 
more  favorable  reports;  but  we  assure  our  friends  that  all  has 
been  done  that  was  practicable  under  the  circumstances.  We 
have  found  by  experieuco  that  it  takes  time,  as  well  as  patiencOf 
to  introduce  ourselves  into  the  jciety  of  these  wild  sons  of 
the  forest.  We  are  striving  to  lay  a  good  foundation  for  f\iture 
usefulness.  The  Indian  mind  is  most  certainly  capable  of 
improvement;  and  wo  anticipate  tho  day  is  not  far  distant  when 
we  shall  see,  to  our  joy,  some  fruit  of  our  feeble  efforts  to  pro- 
mote the  pure  Gospel,  which  is  "the  power  of  God  unto  salvation 
to  every  one  that  believeth :"  to  the  poor  Indian  as  well  as  the 
white  man. 

Our  habitation  is  yet  the  same  as  when  we  first  came  here, 
nearly  two  miles  from  Little  Rapids,  the  place  of  our  intended 
destination.  Not  being  able  to  obtain  all  the  help  necessary  to  fit 
up  our  liome,  we  are  detained  here.  The  Indians  are  also  obliged 
to  wander  from  place  to  place  for  want  of  homes.  But,  not- 
withstanding the  many  difficulties  which  we  have  had  to  en- 
counter, we  have  much  reason  to  rejoice  and  be  glad.  A  great 
change  is  visible  in  many  of  these  poor  heathens.  Some  who 
have  been  in  darkness,  are  now  enlightened  by  the  Holy  Spirit, 
Some,  who  were  the  most  debased  and  abandoned,  give  evidence 
tliat  they  have  become  the  followers  of  the  meek  and  lowly  Jesus. 


I* 


I 


<■  I, 


1S6 


THE    LIFE    OF   REV.    JOHN   OLARK. 


'i!:ll 


Wo  liopo,  by  tho  blowing  of  Qo<1,  to  bo  la  onr  own  Iioiiho 
by  the  iirrit  of  Septcmbor,  and  oxpoct  by  that  tlmo  to  havo 
thirteen  dwolliugs  and  a  school-hoiuo  roady  fur  tho  Indians. 
Thon  wo  oxpoct  to  havo  a  pci-raanont  sohool,  and  to  soe  im- 

])ruvoinont(i  in  thoir  habits  of  industry  and  economy 

Bliuuld  thoro  bo  any  brethren  or  sistora  witli  ability,  oourago, 
and  furtitudo,  to  endure  cunstant  toil,  thoro  will  be  opeuingH  fur 
them  in  tlio  interior,  as  tho  work  is  advancing  and  now  calls 
aro  made  for  missionaries.  '^Tho  harvest  truly  is  groat,"  and 
wo  hope  dovoted  laborers  will  not  bo  few. 

May  the  holy  Spirit  gaido  ns,  that  in  all  things  we  may 

ploAso  him  who,  I  trust,  has  oalled  ns  to  this  distant  and  diifi« 

cult  field  of  labor. 

Thus  prays  your  affectionato  Sister, 

Sabah  M.  Olabx. 

On  the  third  of  September  Mr.  Clark  wrote  to 
the  Board  that  his  health  was  quite  poor,  that  he 
held  the  pen  with  a  trembling  hand.  His  prin- 
cipal difficulty  was  an  affection  of  the  lungs,  at- 
tended with  some  fever,  and  a  dry  cough.  The 
result  of  medicating  and  a  strict  diet  was  extreme 
weakness.  But  he  regarded  himself  as  convales- 
cent, and  expressed  a  strong  hope  of  being  able  to 
resume  his  pleasing  toil  before  long.  This  hope 
was  realized,  and  we  find  him  laboring  with  his 
usual  diligence. 

He  reports  the  stat<>  of  the  mission  at  the  Sault 
as  prosperous,  the  meetings  being  well  attended. 
And  as  the  summer  had  brought  many  visiting 
Indians  from  afar,  they,  too,  had  heard  the  words 


MISSION    AT    OUAND    TUAVKUSU    BAY.    129 

of  life,  and  carried  tlio  report  to  their  far-ufl' 
homes. 

In  the  preceding  August,  John  Taunchy  mul 
John  Guh-beach  were  sent,  with  another  native,  to 
Grand  Traverse  Bay,  to  preacli  to  the  Indians  and 
teach  their  children.  This  bay  is  situated  about 
sixty  miles  south  of  Mackinaw,  on  the  east  shore 
of  Lake  Michigan.  Mr.  Clark  considered  this  as 
one  of  the  most  promising  localities  for  a  mission 
in  all  that  region.  The  soil  was  productive,  tho 
climate  mild,  and  tho  waters  abounded  with  iish. 
It  was,  therefore,  a  good  place  for  the  Indians,  and 
tho  missionaries  could  be  easily  supported. 

As  it  was  desirable  to  learn  the  exact  state  of 
tho  mission  before  winter,  ho  wrote  to  the  young 
men  to  meet  him  at  Mackinaw,  which  they  did 
on  the  thirteenth  of  Ociober.  From  this  interview 
he  learned  that  the  Indians  numbered  about  two 
hundred  and  fifty,  residing  in  five  villages,  three 
on  the  north  and  two  on  tho  south  side  of  the  bay. 
To  visit  them  all  would  make  a  pleasant  trip  by 
water  of  about  forty  miles. 

When  the  laborers  arrived  in  August,  they  found 
the  chief  and  people  more  or  less  under  the  influ- 
ence of  whisky;  but,  on  becoming  sober,  they  re- 
ceived them  with  much  cordiality.  So  they  began 
their  work  of  preaching  the  Gospel,  and  teaching 

the  children.     Between  August  twentieth  and  Oc- 

9 


>0. 
■fill 


III 


180 


LIFE   OF    KEY.    JOHN    OLAKK. 


lUi 


"it  |J|! 


■;''!     .  1 


tobor  twolftli,  Hovoral  of  tho  children  had  loamod 
to  road  and  spoil  words  of  four  lottors,  thus  evincing 
tho  capacity  and  aptitude  of  those  young  pagans. 
Many  of  tho  young  men  also  desired  to  be  taught, 
and  all  woro  willing  and  anxious  to  have  schools 
in  the  several  villages.  TIio  positions  were  pleasant 
and  favorable,  being  sixty  miles  from  any  wluto 
settlement. 

It  afforded  Mr.  Clark  great  pleasure  to  learn 
from  Messrs.  Biddle  and  Drew,  merchants  at  Mack- 
inaw, who  had  a  trading-houlso  among  the  Indians 
in  question,  that  they  woro  much  in  favor  of  the 
enterprise,  and  were  disposed  to  contribute  to  its 
support.  And  ho  remarks,  "I  am  happy  to  say 
that  a  respectable  number  of  the  Indian  traders 
do  already  heartily  cooperate  in  efforts  to  improve 
tlio  moral  state  of  the  Indians  in  the  Northwest. 
W'httt  a  happy  day  will  that  be  for  tho  aborigines 
of  our  country,  when  all  intercourse  with  them  shall 
tend  to  purify  and  exalt  thoir  character,  rather 
than  corrupt  and  debase  it!  Then  may  we  hope 
to  hear  pious  halleluiahs  ai/iong  all  the  Indian 
tribes  on  both  sides  of  the  llocky  Mountains.  O, 
blessed  Immanuel,  hasten  on  that  day  1" 

But  the  bright  prospects  with  regard  to  this 
mission  were  soon  clouded.  On  the  arrival  of  Mr. 
Clark  at  Mackinaw  in  the  following  May,  he  found 
the  young  men  from  the  Grand  Traverao  awaiting 


OliOUnKP    l»UORI»ECT8. 


hin  Arrival,  nnd  lonniod  tito  nnd  rcvorHO  ^liicli  thoy 
had  mot  with.  In  tho  full  tho  Indiaim  went  to 
thoir  huntinfj^-groundfl,  and  tho  tcacherH  ropairod  to 
the  trading-honso  of  liiddlo  and  Drew,  whoro  ar- 
rangoinontH  had  boon  inado  for  thoir  accommoda- 
tion. Horo  thoy  found  some  IndianH  wlio  had  not 
gono  to  tho  Imnt,  and  thoy  roOponod  thuir  school 
will  I  good  prospects. 

Hut  whoTi  tho  huntors  rotumod  early  in  January, 
while  tho  prospects  wore  good,  both  in  tho  meet- 
ings and  school,  and  some  wero  on  tho  point  of 
renouncing  paganism  and  embracing  Christianity, 
there  arrived  several  Ottawa  Indians,  fur-traders, 
belonging  to  tho  Komish  Church,  who  mado  tho 
minds  of  the  Indians  "ovil  affected  toward  tho 
brethren."  Thoy  told  them  that  Iheso  men  wero 
of  doubtful  character,  that  no  one  knew  whence 
thoy  came,  and  that  they  wero  supported  by  In- 
dian women  of  bad  character  at  Mackinaw,  with 
many  other  stories  equally  false  and  wicked.  Tin's 
had  tho  intended  effect;  it  closed  tho  ears  of  tho 
Indians  to  all  instruction,  and  the  children  wero 
withdrawn  from  the  school.  It  was  in  vain  that 
Mr.  Drew  visited  them  at  his  trading-house,  and 
urged  them  to  continue  the  school  and  mission, 
assuring  them  of  the  utter  groundlessness  of  tho 
reports  against  the  teachers.  Well  might  the  mis- 
sionary say,  "I  confidently  believe  that  all  other 


i 


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m 


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It  :i 


182 


LIFE    OF    REV.    JOHN    OLAKK. 


influences  combined  are  less  formidable,  in  oppos- 
ing the  moral  improvement  of  the  Indians,  than 
that  of  the  Roman  Catholics."  How  true  to  its 
instincts  is  that  Church  everywhere  1  Its  cherished 
hostility  to  truth  and  goodness  is  infused  into  all 
its  people,  whether  they  be  red  or  white.  Rum 
and  Romanisni  join  hands  to  debase  and  impoverish 
the  masses,  both  among  the  civilized  and  the  savage. 


^ 


#: 


% 


■~1 


DOMESTIC    AFFLICTIONS. 


133 


CHAPTER  XL 

INDIAN   MISSIONS— CONTINUED. 

Affliction — Sickness  of  their  littlo  Helen  —  Dinry — Her  Death  and 
Burial  —  Brothers  Chandler  and  Bourne  arrive  —  Their  Fields  of 
Labor  —  Miss  Baylies  returns  Home — Mr.  Clark  injures  his  Health  by 
excessive  Toil  — Romish  Interference  —  Mr.  Clark  decides  to  remove 
to  Green  Bay — His  Eeasons — Statistics  at  the  Sault — A  Question 
and  an  Answer — Strong  Hopes. 

In  their  far-off  home,  away  from  kindred  and  friends, 
the  hand  of  affliction  was  laid  upon  our  missionary 
and  his  family.  Their  little  daughter,  Helen  Amelia, 
was  smitten  with  disease,  of  which  I  find  the  follow- 
ing notices  in  Mr.  Clark's  Journal.  These  are  insert- 
ed, in  order  that  a  view  may  be  obtained  of  the  man 
in  his  domestic  relations.  We  have  seen  him  in  his 
toils,  privationG,  and  perils,  have  traced  him  in  his 
journeys,  and  absences  from  his  family;  but  here  arc 
seen  his  tender  regard  for  his  family,  and  his  heart  of 
parental  affection. 

"  S&pterrther  17, 1834. — Our  little  Helen  Amelia  is 
somewhat  indisposed.  Some  fover,  with  symptoms 
of  worms :  is  not  as  playful  as  usual. 

"  Thursday^  18. — ^Last  night  Helen  was  quite  rest- 
less, with  symptoms  of  mental  derangement  Is  less 
playful  to-day  than  yesterday. 


'i 


M 


I  ill 


m 


ii 


134 


LIFE    OP   REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


^^Fiiday,  19. — Daughter  still  more  unwell.  Friends 
frcTJi  the  Fort  called  to  see  us  in  our  new  home,  and 
as  the  physician  of  the  garrison  was  in  the  company, 
I  had  him  examine  the  child.  He  said  she  was  a 
very  sick  child,  and  if  the  medicine  given  did  not 
relieve  her,  he  feared  we  should  have  trouble  with 
her  head. 

^'■Saturday,  20. — ^During  the  whole  of  last  night 
our  child  was  restless  and  wild,  with  high  fever.  At 
dawn  of  day  I  sent  for  the  doctor.  He  pronounced 
her  disease  caaker  rash.,  with  bymptoms  of  dropsy  in 
the  head ;  and  advised  her  removal  to,  or  near  the 
Fort,  where  he  could  give  her  his  constant  attention. 
This  we  did  forthwith,  and  took  rooms  in  the  quarters 
of  Captain  Johnson,  new  abse^^i;  on  furlough.  Here 
we  shall  remain  until  our  child  is  better ;  or,  if  it 
please  our  heavenly  Father,  until  her  aching  head  is 
eased  in  death :  the  latter  we  seriously  fear. 

^''SfundoAf^  21. — Symptoms  about  as  yesterday: 
rested  a  little. 

^^  Monday^  22. — Our  friends  in  the  garrison  came 
to  our  assistance,  like  angels  of  mercy.  Physician  all 
attention  :   child  no  better. 

"  Tuesday,  23. — ^Last  night  was  one  of  great  distres, 
to  our  dear  child  until  near  morning.    To-day  she  is 
more  easy ;   takes  notice  of  a^l,  and  calls  for  food. 
Symptoms  worse  again  at  night. 

"  Wednesday,  24. — Child  is  fast  sinkmg.    Her  ap- 


DEATH    OF    HIS    DAUGHTER. 


136 


parent  sufferings  are  most  painfu^  to  the  heart  of  a 
parent.    Her  cries  and  moans  arc  piercing. 

^^  Thursday,  25. — ^Every  effort  of  physician  and 
friends  appears  in  vain  to  relieve  our  suffering  Helen. 
Our  constant  prayer  is  for  supporting  grace  for  what 
awaits  us ;  and  that  the  will  of  God  be  done  and  we 
be  resigned.  Mrs.  Clark  especially  prays,  that  if  it 
please  God  to  take  our  child,  her  sufferings  may  not 
be  prolonged  another  hour ! 

^^Ftiday,  26. — ^Nature  sinks  in  spite  of  all  our 
efforts;  she  cries  and  moans  constantly.  O,  how 
painful  I  But  Jesus  suffered  more,  infinitely  more,  to 
purchase  our  peace,  and  that  little  children  might  be 
saved.  At  3  o'clock  a  marked  change  takes  place  in 
our  little  sufferer.  At  6  o'clock  she  is  quiet:  all 
signs  of  conscious  suffering  are  past :  she  fell  aileep 
in  death  at  8  P.  M.  At  this  moment  we  fall  upon 
our  knees,  and  try  to  raise  our  afflicted  hearts  to  God 
for  support,  and  for  a  sanctified  i.  e  of  this  painful 
^*Tovidence  I 

*  Satv/rday,  27. — At  3  o'clock  P.  M.,  our  departed 
child  is  decently  buried  in  the  graveyard  belonging 
to  the  garrison.  Prayer  by  Rev.  Mr.  Coe,  and  some 
remark,  by  Rev.  Mr.  Bingham. 

^^  Monday,  29. — ^We  return  to  our  lonely  habitation. 
Everything  about  the  house  seems  to  say,  *  One  is 
gone.'  Even  little  John  Emory  says, '  Where  is  Sister 
Helen?'    We  reply,  *She  has  gone  to  heaven,  where 


'iS**: 


I 
I 


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ll,    ,  !;i 


186 


LIFE   OP   REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


Sister  Maiy  is.'  Young  as  she  was,  she  had  learned 
to  read  quite  well  in  her  Testament,  and  on  her  fourth 
birthday  her  father  gave  her  a  beautiful  one,  telling 
her  if  she  would  read  it  through  in  a  year,  he  would 
give  her  a  fine  Bible.  This  she  commenced  to  do, 
but  she  never  saw,  on  earth,  the  next  anniversary  of 
her  birth.  As  children  are  imitative  creatures,  so 
little  Helen  wou  '  ""■  the  part  of  a  missionary  teach- 
er, and  gather  aroui  ner  the  little  red  children,  and 
teach  them  to  read.  Thus  she  became  a  special 
favorite  with  them,  and  they  wept  over  her  little 
grave  when  she  was  laid  there  to  rest." 

The  reader  has  been  earned  forward  of  the  time  as 
it  respects  certain  incidents,  and  it  will  be  nee ossary 
to  go  back  a  little  in  order  to  resume  the  connected 
narrative. 

On  the  22d  of  August  the  heart  of  the  missionary 
was  cheered  by  the  arrival  of  two  very  efiicient  help- 
ers. Brothers  D.  M.  Chandler  and  Milton  Bourne, 
both  from  within  the  bounds  of  the  Troy  Conference, 
offered  themselves  willingly  on  the  altar  of  missions, 
and  left  their  homes  and  friends  to  teach  the  poor 
Indians  the  way  to  heaven.  It  was  under  the  direc- 
tion, and  by  the  advice  of  Rev.  Cyrus  Prindle,  (at 
that  time  presiding  elder  of  the  district  in  which 
these  young  men  resided,)  that  they  were  induced  to 
offer  themselves  for  this  work.  Mr.  Chandler's  race 
was  short,  and  he  rested  in  the  grave  after  some  two 


iSpW^ 


ARRIVAL  OF  CHANDLER  AND  BOURNE.  187 


years'  so^'vice  in  the  mission-field.  Mr.  Prindle  com- 
piled an  interesting  memoir  of  that  devoted  young 
minister.  Mr.  Bourne  is  yet  in  the  Gospel-field,  a 
member  of  the  Rock  River  Conference. 

Mr.  Bourne  was  employed  at  Sault  Ste.  Marie,  and 
Mr.  Chandler  was  sent  to  Ke-wa-we-non.  He  took 
with  him  two  native  assistants,  George  Copway  and 
John  Taunchy,  and  also  an  interpreter.  They  set 
out  upon  their  long  voyage  of  two  hundred  and  fifty 
miles,  in  a  bark  canoe,  with  provisions  and  other  ar- 
ticles of  necessity ;  but,  after  being  detained  several 
days  by  strong  head  winds  at  White  Fish  Point,  they 
got  Mr.  Chandler  and  his  interpreter,  with  their 
effects,  on  board  Mr.  Holliday's  boat ;  and  Copway 
and  Taunchy  returned  to  Sault  Ste.  Marie  with  the 
canoe.  But,  while  the  superintendent  was  encour- 
aged by  the  addition  of  those  excellent  young  preach- 
ers to  the  mission  force  in  that  vast  field,  he  was 
obliged  to  part  with  another.  Miss  Baylies,  of  the 
city  of  New- York,  was  obliged  to  return  home,  as  her 
health  was  somewhat  impaired.  She  had  been  the 
school  teacher  at  the  Sault.  And,  besides,  his  own 
health  was  poor,  and  for  four  Sabbaths  in  succession 
he  had  heen  unable  to  officiate  in  public.  His  labors 
had  been  too  severe  for  even  his  strong  and  athletic 
frame.  Not  being  able  to  procure  help,  he  had 
labored  at  house  building,  cutting  and  hewing  the 
logs  himself,  in  addition  to  all  his  other  labors.    Yet 


m 


m    '  "'i 


'  m 


188 


LIFE    OP    REV.   JOHN    CLARK. 


ill 


i  m  '■ 


his  Joumal  evinces  a  spirit  of  resignation  and  trust 
every  way  worthy  of  a  true  Christian  and  devoted 
missionary. 

Tliere  was  a  Romish  mission  just  over  the  river,  on 
the  Canada  side,  the  influence  of  wliich  was  very 
detrimental  to  the  Indians  whom  he  was  laboring  to 
benefit.  Tlie  Indians,  like  all  other  heathens,  are  very 
superstitious;  and  the  follies  and  mysteries  of  Ro- 
manism are  well  calculated  to  deceive  as  well  as 
amuse  them.  But  the  efforts  of  the  priests  were 
directed  to  the  hinderance  of  Protestantism  rather 
than  to  the  improvement  of  their  own  people.  In- 
deed, when  did  that  sect  ever  improve  its  subjects  ? 
Rome  has  many  of  the  fairest  and  best  portions  of 
the  world  under  its  control,  and  for  many  long  yeare 
has  reigned  without  a  rival,  and  poverty,  ignorance, 
vice,  and  bigotry,  are  the  constant  and  legitimate 
fruits  of  her  supremacy.  Her  proselytes  are  twofold 
more  the  children  of  hell  than  they  were  in  their 
former  state,  whether  civilized  or  savage. 

In  November,  1834,  Mr.  Clark  concluded  to  change 
his  residence  from  Sault  Ste.  Marie  to  Green  Bay. 
His  reasons,  as  given  to  the  Board,  are  the  follow- 
ing: 

"I  am  expected  to  take  charge  of  the  whole  work 
in  the  Lidian  country,  and  extend  it  as  fast  and  as  far 
as  Providence  shall  open  the  way.  This  I  cannot  do 
with  satisfaction  to  myself,  nor  for  the  best  interests 


REMOVAL   TO    GREEN    BAY. 


189 


of  the  work,  should  I  continue  ray  location  at  the 
Sault.  Tlie  work  at  this  place  demands  the  constant 
presence  and  labor  of  at  least  one  missionary  and 
family,  with  a  male  and  female  assistant  in  the 
school.  But  in  prosecuting  my  work,  each  station 
must  be  visited  at  least  once  a  year ;  and  in  opening 
new  missions  it  is  very  desirable  that  the  ground  bo 
firet  examined,  that  the  most  eligible  locations  may 
be  chosen  for  the  work. 

"Now,  to  perform  this  service  will  require  the  whole 
attention  of  one  man ;  and,  consequently,  the  place 
where  he  attempts  to  take  the  whole  charge  must 
suflfer  in  his  absence.  And,  besides,  our  journeys 
must  be  performed  in  open  boats,  or  birch-bark 
canoes;  and  the  most  central  place  should  be 
selected  as  the  starting-point.  Such  is  Green  Bay; 
and  for  this  and  other  reasons  which  I  omit  to  men- 
tion, I  conclude  to  change  my  residence.  I  do  this 
the  present  fall,  rather  than  wait  till  spring,  as  I  can 
better  spare  the  time  now." 

On  leaving  Sault  Ste.  Marie,  and  giving  the 
special  charge  to  Mr.  Bourne,  the  superintendent 
makes  the  following  report : 

"  1.  Fort  Brady. — Here  we  have  a  class  of  twelve 
persons.  Since  this  class  was  formed,  three  have 
removed  with  certificates,  and  one  without.  Three 
probationers  have  withdrawn,  and  five  have  been 
dropped.    Four  of  the  officers  are  decidedly  pious, 


i      'V 


140 


LIFE    OF    REV.    JOHN   CLARK. 


«   U 


two  having  become  so  within  the  year.  In  the 
'  gaiTison  school-house,  prayer-meetings  are  hold  four 
evenings  in  the  week,  and  ore  generally  well  at- 
tended. The  temperance  cause  receives  a  liberal 
share  of  attention  from  the  whole  command. 

*^  2.  Missionville  is  the  name  given  to  our  mission 
two  miles  below  the  fort.  Here  our  prospects  are 
still  flattering.  The  thirteen  houses  are  now  com- 
pleted, at  an  expense  to  the  Board  of  only  $760. 
Each  house  is  eighteen  feet  square,  and  all  are 
comfortable  and  warm.  We  have  a  good  school- 
house,  eighteen  by  twenty-six  feet,  and  a  bam  eight- 
een by  thirty-six  feet. 

''Last  Sabbath  was  our  sacramental  season,  in 
which  all  appeared  interested,  and,  I  trust,  profited. 
Our  class  from  the  fort  was  also  present.  In  the 
afternoon  a  Sabbath  school  was  opened ;  and  almost 
the  whole  village  attended,  as  it  is  designed  for  all, 
both  old  and  young.  On  Monday  our  school,  which 
had  been  suspended  for  a  while,  was  reopened,  with 
sixteen  native  pupils,  and  others  are  promised  by  their 
parents.  The  school  is  conducted  by  Brother  Bourne, 
from  Fawlet,  Yermont.  He  is  a  single  man,  and 
cooks  his  own  food.  He  will  be  aided  by  Henry 
Snake,  from  Grape  Island,  both  as  intei-preter  and 
assistant  in  the  school.  The  number  in  society  is 
thirty-eight,  all  natives." 

About  this  time  Mr.  Clark  received  from  the 


m\ 


M 


A    QUESTION    ANSWERED. 


141 


Board  a  communicntion  for  Rov.  Jason  Leo,  of  the 
Oregon  Mission^  which  he  promises  to  forward  by  the 
first  express,  and  says :  "  I  perceive  from  a  chart,  to 
which  I  have  access,  that  the  Nez  Percys  (pierced 
noses)  are  in  the  same  latitude  with  your  missions 
here ;  and  the  question  often  arises,  Where  shall  the 
two  fires  just  now  kindling,  imite  their  flame  ?  Ar- 
dent hope  and  trembling  faith  reply,  Among  the 
Black  Feet  warriors  on  the  mountain's  top.  So  let 
it  be  I    May  the  Lord  hasten  it  in  his  time." 

Such  were  his  aspirations  and  hopes;  and  ho 
could  not  understand  why  such  results  might  not  be 
realized.  The  field,  though  wide,  was  "white  to 
the  harvest ;"  and  he  believed  the  Church  was  rich 
enough,  in  men  and  money,  to  meet  all  the  wants  of 
that  vast  territory.  And  as  he  was  toiling  with  his 
little  band,  it  was  difficult  to  perceive  why  others 
should  not,  in  large  numbers,  consecrate  themselves 
to  the  same  work  until  every  tribe,  from  Sault  Ste. 
Marie  to  the  Pacific,  should  be  evangelized. 


the 


1 


i; 


1%  I' 


'rX 


142 


LIFE    OP    REV.   JOHN    CLARK. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

A  LONG  JOURNF.Y. 

Arrlvcn  at  Mackinaw  — No  VosboI  for  the  Bay  — Loaves  his  Family  ard 
twkcH  another  Courao  —  Detroit  —  Doarbomvlllo  —  Ann  Arbor — Mur- 
Bliall — W  hlto  Pigeon — BeardBley's  Prairie — Bertrond'i — Terra  OcHpia 
—  Michigan  City  — Wind  and  Snow— Clilcago— Proaclios  on  Indian 
MiBBlons- Mr.  Bruce  — Oross  Point— Bollo  Fontaluo  — A  Lunoli  In 
tlio  WoodH  —  Iloraos  take  a  Biiddon  Loave  —  Search  for  them  — Mr. 
Clark  alone  in  the  Woods  — Makes  his  Camp  —  Wolf-visit  —  Wind, 
Eaiu,  ond  Snow  —  Rctnrn  to  Clilcogo — Recover  their  HorHCS  —  Leave 
Chicago  again  — Skunk  Grove  —  Milwaukio  River — A  Guide  for  one 
Day  —  Niglit — Loho  tlieirWoy  —  j  lo  da  Brusha — A  Pottawuttomio 
and  Family  —  Tlioir  Corn  stolen  —  Cross  Rock  River — A  Bedroom  oil 
out  of  Doors  —  Loko  Winnebago  —  Green  Bay. 

The  following  letter  to  the  Corresponding  Secretary, 
though  long,  will  amply  repay  perusal.  In  it  the 
reader  will  iind  evidence  of  energy,  perseverance,  and 
courage  rarely  equaled.    It  is  dated  Dec.  19, 1834. 

"  I  wrote  to  you  a  few  weeks  since,  saying  I  was 
at  Mackinaw,  on  my  way  to  Green  Bay;  but  not 
finding  a  passage  by  water  this  season,  I  got  my 
family  into  good  quarters  for  the  winter,  and  de- 
termined to  take  a  different  route,  namely,  Detroit, 
Chicago  and  thence  to  tlie  Bay.  I  arrived  at 
Detroit  on  the  6th  instant ;  and,  after  recruiting  a 
little  from  the  effects  of  violent  sea-sickness,  which 
I  suffered  in  crossing  Lake  Huron,  I  purchased  a 


JOURNEY   TO    OREEN    BAT. 


148 


emig  built,  pony-liko  horso  and  oqnipago,  and  started 
Ou  my  routo.  Detroit,  notwithstanding  all  tlio  alarm 
and  desolation  it  suiforod  from  tho  cholera  in  1832 
and  1884,  is  rapidly  rising,  both  in  appearance  and 
commercial  and  general  business  character.  Each 
of  tho  four  Protestant  denominations  has  a  large  and 
commodious  Church ;  that  of  tho  Methodists  is  now 
in  a  central  position. 

"After  riding  slowly  for  two  and  a  half  hours, 
I  came  to  Dearbomvillo,  a  small,  pleasant  place,  one 
mile  from  the  River  Rouge.  Hero  a  United  States 
ai*senal  is  located.  Continuing  my  course  west,  I 
next  day  reached  Ypsilanti,  and  found  good  quarters 
in  a  pious  private  family.  Here  our  people  are 
finishing  a  small  brick  church ;  tho  pulpit  is  to  bo  in 
the  front  end,  between  the  doors.  So  it  is,  fashion 
governs  everything,  sense  or  no  sense.  Continuing 
still  west,  I  came  to  the  flourishing  village  of  Ann 
Arbor,  the  seat  of  justice  for  "Washtenaw  County. 
It  lies  on  the  River  Huron,  about  forty  miles  from 
Detroit,  south  by  west,  with  a  population  of  about 
twelve  hundred.  Here  I  spent  the  Sabbath,  and  in 
the  evening  preached  on  the  subject  of  Indian 
Missions.  The  good  people  filled  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  and  gave  a  contribution  of  $16  95.  The 
next  day  a  Presbyterian  lady  gave  me  a  large,  valu- 
able woolen  blanket  for  the  Indians,  which  I  lash  on 
before  me,  and  take  through  the  woods." 


144 


LIFE    OF    KEV.    JOHN    CLAUK. 


:^I' 


•i.   \ 


(Tlio  foregoing  wfts  written  from  Ann  Arbor,  Imt 
tlie  following  from  (ircon  Bay,  February  2,  1835.J 

"  I  pursuoU  my  way  over  oak  openingH  and 
burr  oak  plains  to  Marshall,  tho  seat  of  justice 
for  Calhoun  County.  Hero  I  pafMod  several  days. 
On  Sabbath  morning  and  evening  preached  to  good 
congregations  in  tho  largo  kitchen  of  Brother  Sid- 
ney Ketchum,  late  of  Clinton  County,  N.  Y.,  where 
I  used  to  tind  a  homo  in  days  past.  Tliui'sday, 
December  25,  preached  at  Marshall  to  a  school- 
house  full  on  tho  claims  of  Indian  missions,  and 
took  a  collection  of  $4  27. 

"  On  Tuesday,  at  dawn  of  day,  lotlfc  with  com- 
])any  for  Chicago.  A  ride  of  forty  miles  brought 
us  to  the  village  of  White  Pigeon,  on  an  extensive 
prairie  of  tho  same  name.  Wednesday,  December 
31,  put  off  at  six  A.  M.,  and  rode  twelve  miles  to 
breakfast,  then  fourteen  miles  to  Beardsley's  Prairie, 
halted  a  few  minutes,  and  then  pushed  on  to  Ber- 
trand's,  on  tho  St.  Joseph's  Eiver,  a  short  distance 
from  !Niles ;  crossed  the  river  on  a  Jlat,  rode  ten 
miles,  which  brought  us  into  Indiana,  and  put  up 
for  the  night  at  Terra  Cespia  Prairie. 

"  Thursday,  Jmtuary  1, 1836. — ^Rose  early,  greeted 
the  family  of  our  log-tavern  with  *A  happy  New 
Year ;'  breakfasted  by  candle-light,  and  put  off,  over 
prairie  and  woodland,  twenty-five  miles  to  Michigan 
City,  on  the  southeast  shore  of  Lake  Michigan. 


liUliU    MUSIC. 


146 


One  year  sinco  thoro  woro  but  two  or  tliroo  houHOfl 
horo,  now  there  nro  JwollingH,  storoH,  tavonifl,  ohopB, 
and  more  than  two  hundred  bouIh.  From  this  pluco 
to  Chicago,  fifty-two  miles,  our  road  is  mostly  the 
frozen  beuch  of  the  lake,  fourteen  of  which  con- 
cluded our  journey  for  the  day.  Tlio  whole  of  this 
stage  has  been  unpleasant,  as  our  horses  woro  un- 
UHod  to  the  music  of  the  winds  and  waves  com- 
bined, and  were  quite  restive,  for  the  swells  often 
washed  their  feet.  Our  inn  is  situated  on  a  small 
eminence,  a  few  yards  from  the  lake;  and  after 
worshiping  with  the  family  I  retired  to  rest,  and 
was  soon  asleep,  while  the  hoarse  luusic  of  the 
lake  below  exerted  a  soothing  influence  upon  my 
weary  nerves. 

"  Friday^  Ja/tmary  2. — ^Wiud  high  from  the  south, 
with  squalls  of  snow;  stopped  every  ten  miles  to 
warm,  and  at  night  fell  four  miles  short  of  Chicago. 
Game  into  the  place  next  morning,  and  found  a 
home  with  Rev.  J.  T.  Mitchel,  the  missionary  for 
that  station.  Chicago  must  soon  become  a  place 
of  much  importance  in  trade  and  business. 

Sunday,  presented  the  subject  of  Indian  mis- 
sions, and  took  a  collection  of  $20  06  for  the  good 
cause.  Of  this  amount  a  good  lady  contributed  a 
sovereign.  May  she  receive  of  *gold  tried  in  the 
fire.' 

^^  Monday i  January  12. — ^Mr.  Bruce,  of  Cleve- 

10 


11 


»'(, 


f/ 


I 


146 


LIFE    OF    REV.    JOHN    CLARK, 


l  I 


..'■'■(''i 


t  M 


Is 


ii 


m- 


land,  by  extra  eflfort,  arrived,  so  afi  to  secure  my 
companv  to  Green  Bay.  "We  left  at  four  P.  M., 
and  came  twelve  miles  to  Gross  Point,  on  the 
west  side  of  the  lake.  Our  landlord  is  a  Canadian 
Frenchman,  and  was  for  many  years  a  fur-trader 
on  the  Columbia  River.  "We  slept  berore  a  large 
lire  on  the  floor,  and  left  at  four  A.  M.,  feeling 
our  way  slowly  along  the  path  for  twelve  miles. 
By  one  o'clock  we  made  thirty  miles,  when  we 
halted  by  a  spring,  called  by  the  French,  Belle 
Fontaine. 

"We  kindled  a  fire  by  a  log,  which  served  as 
a  table  on  which  to  c-pread  our  repast.  While  we 
and  om*  beasts  were  appeasing  our  hunger,  the 
horae  of  my  friend  suddenly  started  off  on  a  smart 
trot ;  mine  followed,  and  in  ten  minutes  both  were 
out  of  sight.  I  seized  my  pocket-compass,  and  we 
started  in  pursuit,  but  soon  lost  their  tracks  in  the 
grass,  and  returned  to  our  camp.  Here  we  were, 
in  the  open  country,  with  no  house  ahead  within 
twenty-two  miles,  and  none  in  the  rear  short  of 
thirty.  By  this  time  two  men  came  up  in  a  single 
wagon,  one  of  whom  I  hi:  jd  to  go  back  with  my 
triend  ten  or  twelve  miles  in  search  of  our  beasts, 
while  the  other  should  stay  with  me  over  night. 
At  eight  o'clock  next  morning  they  returned,  but 
no  horses  could  be  found.  It  was  now  agreed  that 
Mr.  Bruce  should  accompany  the  wag'"  a  vo  the 


% 


A    NIGHT   ON   THE    PRAIRIE. 


147 


first  house  ahead,  and  raise  a  company  of  Indians 
to  scour  the  country,  while  I  should  stay  with  the 
ba<?gage.  Off  they  went,  leaving  me  in  the  soli- 
tude of  an  uninhabited  prairie.  I  spent  several 
hours  in  fruitless  search  for  the  horses,  and  returned 
to  the  camp.  On  approaching  I  found  it  in  pos- 
session of  a  prairie  wolf,  but  he  retired  as  I  drew 
near.  I  felled  a  tree,  and  prepared  wood  for  the 
night ;  cut  off  a  log  for  the  back  part  of  my  camp, 
and  with  our  blankets  made  it  as  comfortable  as 
I  could,  leaving'  it  open  in  front  toward  the  fire. 
At  dusk  his  wolfship  returned,  and  came  withm 
one  hundred  feet  of  the  place  where  I  lay ;  but  on 
seeing  me  he  stood  back  a  little.  I  soon  lay  down 
and  slept,  waking  at  intervals  to  revive  my  fire, 
and  each  time  the  wolf  stood  within  pistol-shot, 
but  as  I  had  no  fire-arms  he  was  safe.  The  night 
was  windy,  with  some  rain,  and  at  day-dawn  on 
Thursday,  15th,  it  snowed  very  freely,  with  driving 
wind,  which  increased  the  discomfort  of  my  situation. , 
"  By  two  o'clock  P.  M.,  Mr.  Bmce  returned  in  a 
two-horse  wagon,  bound  for  Chicago  once  more. 
We  put  all  on  board,  and  made  our  way  back, 
through  wind  and  storm,  to  Gross  Point  by  ten 
o'clock,  much  chilled  and  with  keen  appetites.  We 
came  to  Chicago  next  day,  and  recovered  our 
horst)s,  which  had  been  taken  up  four  miles  from 
town. 


'a 


ll 


■»•<» 


^m 


:i'^<^ 


I' 


if! 

\  til  I 


't 


';  f 


w 


■  i  I 


148 


LIFE    OF    REV.    JOHN    OLARK. 


"As  the  week  was  far  spent  we  tarried  over 
the  Sabbath,  and  I  preached  morning  and  evening. 
In  the  afternoon  heard  a  good,  warm  sermon  from 
that  venerable  pioneer  of  the  west,  Rev.  Jesse 
Walker,  who  is  superannuated,  and  settled  on  a 
farm  twelve  miles  west  of  Chicago. 

^^Manda^y  Janua/ry  19. — Left  Chicago,  and  at 
sunset  made  Gross  Point  again,  and  on  Tuesday 
rode  fifty-two  miles  to  Skunk  Grove.  Our  host,  an 
Indian  trader,  and  his  brother,  each  having  an 
Indian  wife  and  child,  occupied  parts  of  our  bed- 
room, twelve  by  fourteen  feet,  Mr.  Bruce  and 
myself  on  the  floor.  Wednesday,  passed  over  rich 
land  twenty-four  miles,  to  the  mouth  of  Milwaukie 
Eiver,  and  were  kindly  entertained  at  the  house 
of  Solomon  Juno,  who  has  long  been  in  the  Indian 
trade.  From  this  place  our  course  is  north-north- 
west, to  the  head  of  Winnebago  Lake. 

"Few,  if  any,  think  of  making  a  journey  from 
Chicago  to  Green  Bay  without  a  guide  the  whole 
distance.  Thus  far  we  have  employed  none,  and 
now  can  obtain  one  only  for  one  day.  Taking 
twenty  quarts  of  com  each  for  our  horses,  and  a 
Frenchman  for  our  guide,  we  set  off  at  sunrise  on 
Thursday ;  and  night  overtook  us  six  miles  short  of 
our  intended  place  of  encampment.  We  pushed  on, 
but  our  guide  lost  the  path,  and  led  us,  at  a  venture, 
over  bill  and  dale,  amid  bogs  and  bushes,  until  we 


\m 


A   THIEVING    HOST. 


149 


came  to  the  margin  of  the  lake  called  in  French 
Lac  du  Brusha.  We  then  took  a  more  southerly- 
direction,  and  discoveiing  a  tree  on  fire,  our  guide 
raised  the  Indian  whoop  I  and  waa  answered  from  a 
wigwam  near  by.  Here  ended  our  toils  for  the  day, 
having  made  about  thirty-nine  miles.  "We  entered 
the  lodge,  and  found  it  contained  an  old  Pottawatta- 
mie, his  wife,  eleven  children,  and  one  grandchild. 
One  end  of  the  cabin  was  assigned  to  us ;  and  having 
fed  and  tied  our  horses,  and  eaten  a  hasty  supper,  we 
laid  down  to  rest.  I  felt  quite  easy,  and  slept  well ; 
but  Mr.  Bruce,  being  more  a  stranger  to  such  scenes, 
lay  cold  and  slept  but  little. 

"We  commenced  preparations  for  an  early  start 
next  morning,  but  found  that  twelve  quarts  of  our 
com  had  been  stolen.  This  theft  I  charged  homo 
upon  the  family  of  our  Indian  ho  nt  he  pleaded 
ignorance  of  the  fact;  and,  after  soim  ,i'oii1)Io,  we 
recovered  about  two  quarts.  Ouv  guide  coiiducted 
us  into  the  right  trail,  and  left  us  to  find  our  way  as 
we  could.  We  were  now  within  three  days'  ride  of 
Green  Bay,  and  two  of  that  without  inhabitants ;  but 
we  pushed  on,  crossed  Black  River  at  one  o'clock, 
and  six  miles  further  brought  us  to  an  opeu  country 
of  oak-land,  with  the  sun  an  hour  high.  Being 
anxious  to  get  a  view  of  Lake  Winnebago,  if  possible, 
before  dark,  we  quickened  our  pace,  looked  ahead, 
and  prophesied,  *  the  lake  is  near.'    We  still  pressed 


m 


■'ti, 


!:  'HI 


150 


LIFE    OF    REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


fc- 


on  until  tho  darkness  of  a  moonless  night  was  upon 
us,  and  we  woio  compelled  to  halt,  and  wait  tho 
coming  of  another  day.  "Wo  turned  our  tired  horses 
loose,  to  pick  a  little  of  the  dry  gi'ass  of  the  prairie, 
half  buried  in  the  snow,  while  we  kindled  a  fire  by  a 
fallen  tree,  by  the  light  of  which  we  were  enabled  to 
prepare  our  stock  of  wood  for  the  night;  and  as  our 
bod-room  was  all  out  of  doors,  and  the  night  was  cold, 
wo  expected  to  need  considerable  fire.  "We  slept 
safely;  and  on  Saturday  rose  early,  fed  our  horses, 
took  a  little  food  ourselves,  and  proceeded  on  our 
way.  A  ride  of  two  miles  brought  us  in  full  view  of 
the  lake ;  and  before  night  we  reached  Stockbridge, 
on  its  eastern  shore,  where  we  spent  a  profitable 
Sabbath  with  the  mission  family. 

"Tuesday,  27th,  came  in  safety  and  health  to 
Green  Bay.  And  here  I  desire  to  record  my  grate- 
ful acknowledgments  to  the  Gi"  3r  of  all  good,  for  his 
guardian  care  over  me  by  duj  and  night,  during  this 
toilsome  route ;  and  may  my  remnant  of  days  be  his." 

If  the  reader  will  take  his  map  and  trace  the 
course  described,  and  remember  that  the  journey 
was  performed  in  the  inclement  months  of  Decem- 
ber and  January,  through  the  then  lonely  forest,  and 
over  the  bieak  prairies,  he  will  be  inclined  to  ask, 
"Who  but  John  Olark  would  have  projected  it?" 
And  how  few  are  endowed  with  the  powers  of 
endurance  to  perform  such  a  task  I 


LETTER    FROM    MRS.    CLARE. 


151 


CHAPTEE  XIII. 


m. 


INDIAN   MISSIOiTS. 


tir 


1 4! 


Letter  tt  Mrs.  Clark  — Mr.  Wliite's  Testimony— State  of  Soeioty— 
Mononionce  River — An  important  Question  —  Need  of  Help  —  A  good 
Foundation  —  Jesuit  Influence  —  Decree  in  Council  — A  true  Hero  — 
A  happy  Meeting— rersocution  — Christian  Fidelity- His  Impor- 
tunity for  Helpers— Virtits  Ke-wa-we-non  —  Interview  with  the  Cliief 
—  Council— Obtains  a  Grant  of  Land  —  Interesting  Meetings  —  Sac- 
raments— Chandler — Herkimer — Johnson  —  Description  of  School- 
house  and  Dwelling — Love-feast  Speaking— Yellow  Head—  Emma 
Eahmsega- Big  Sliilling— William  Snake  — Big  Jacob. 

On  reaching  Green  Bay  Mr.  Clark  found  many 
letters,  some  of  which  were  on  business,  and  several 
on  friendship,  and  expressing  the  kindest  regards. 
One  of  these  last  was  from  Plattsburgh,  New- York, 
the  place  of  his  former  residence.  Among  others 
was  one  from  Mrs.  Clark,  who  had  been  left,  in 
November,  at  Mackinaw,  to  spend  the  winter.  This 
oiie  he  answered  at  an  early  hour  after  his  arrival ; 
br.t  it  is  not  for  the  reader  to  know  all  it  contains. 
It  is  too  sacred  for  the  eye  of  the  public,  except  it  be 
a  few  extracts. 

Mrs.  Clark  was  in  feeble  health  some  part  of  the 
time,  and  his  long  absence  caused  her  to  feel  very 
lonely ;  and  it  was  very  natural  that  in  writing  to  her 
husband  she  should  give  expression  to  her  feelings  of 


152 


LIFE   OF    REV.   JOHN   CLARK. 


sadness  and  loneliness.  The  extracts  which  I  shall 
give  from  his  letter  exhibit  him  as  a  husband : 

"  I  was  much  gratified  indeed  to  get  a  letter  from 
you,  my  dear ;  but  it  gave  me  mingled  emotions  of 
joy  and  sorrow.  Sorrow  to  hear  of  your  declining 
strength  and  depression  of  spirits;  joy  to  know 
that,  on  the  anniversary  of  your  spiritual  birth, 
God  did  not  leave  you  without  a  clear  evidence 
of  your  acceptance  with  him,  and  that  he  gave 
you  *an  uncommon  measure  of  his  Spirit.'  For 
this  I  do,  and  will  praise  God.  I  humbly  pray 
that,  before  this  comes  to  hand,  your  health  will 
be  much  improved ;  or,  could  my  sympathies  make 
you  whole,  it  should  be  done  at  once. 

"  You  say, '  I  hope  you  are  rejoicing  in  God.'  I 
thank  you  for  your  kind  remembrance  of  me ;  but  be 
assured  that  my  joy  is  not  so  great  as  I  desire,  but  as 
great  as  I  expect  it  will  be  till  I  am  again  in  the 
society  of  my  dear  family.  And  does  this  sound 
odd  ?  I  cannot  help  it.  It  is  true ;  and  but  for  the 
duties  that  devolve  upon  me,  I  would  not  be  absent 
from  you  for  the  space  of  twenty  four  hours.  And 
does  this  sound  odder  still  ?  This  also  is  true  to  the 
letter.  Although  sometimes,  when  I  am  at  home,  I 
may  seem  to  be  restless,  as  if  I  would  be  gone ;  still, 
that  arises  from  my  long  habit  of  being  constantly 
on  the  move,  and  not  from  any  want  of  affection  for 
home,  and  for  those  who  dwell  there.    You  speak 


PROSPEROUS   STATE   OF   THE    MISSION.  158 


of  .  .  .  Mn  order  to  release  me  from  cares  and 
bnrdens.'  Surely,  my  dear,  you  cannot  suppose  that 
the  .  .  .  .  is  a  burden.  No!  nor  can  it  be 
while  I  have  any  reason  or  religion  left  me.  And  as 
to  cares,  they  are  of  my  own  seeking.  I  expected 
cares  when  I  entered  the  marriage  state,  and  I  would 
not  be  free  from  them  for  my  weight  in  gold.  Tliey 
are  cares  which  belong  to  me,  and  which  I  delight  to 
feel." 

On  his  arrival  at  Green  Bay  he  foimd  the  state  of 
the  mission  quite  prosperous,  under  the  labors  of  Rev. 
George  White,  who  had  that  post  in  charg<}.  Mr. 
White  sent  a  communication  to  the  Board  about  this 
time,  in  which  he  bears  strong  testimony  to  the  faith- 
fulness and  zeal  of  the  superintendent.  Mr.  Clark 
also  reports  favorably  concerning  the  state  of  the 
mission  at  Oneida  West,  where  Daniel  Adams  had 
labored.  This  is  the  mission  which  had  been  called 
Duck  Creek,  A  society  of  forty  members  had  been 
gathered  there.  Daniel  had  been  sick,  nigh  unto 
death ;  but  was  not  afraid  to  die,  for  he  "knew  whom 
he  had  believed,"  and  was  able  to  trust  all  in  his 
hands  for  time  and  eternity. 

About  this  time  Mr.  Clark  made  a  visit  to  Meno- 
monee  River,  on  the  west  shore  of  Green  Bay,  and 
met  a  kind  reception  from  Mr.  Famsworth,  the 
trader,  who  was  ready  to  do  all  in  his  power  to  aid 
in  the  establishment  and  success  of  a  mission  there. 


i 


\y 


f 


ui 


,.  .1 


liil- 


t 


II!  r 


IIW' 


X- 


154 


LIFE    OF    REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


A  question  of  much  importance  now  pressed  itself 
upon  the  mind  of  the- superintendent.  It  related  to 
the  class  of  laborers  on  whom  the  chief  dependence 
must  be  placed  for  promoting  the  work  among  the 
Indians.  Must  they  be  white  or  red  men?  He 
cast  his  eye  over  the  vast  Held,  and  it  appear- 
ed to  him  that  it  was  "white  to  the  harvest." 
But  his  views  were  not  bounded  by  the  present. 
He  says : 

"  In  looking  to  the  future, it  is  a  question 

of  absorbing  interest  to  me,  as  to  the  safest  and  most 
efScient  plan  for  elevating  these  children  of  the 
forest,  intellectually,  morally,  and  spiritually.  Are 
we  to  depend  mostly,  imder  God,  upon  a  whiter  or 
na^e  agency  ?  This  is  the  question  to  be  settled ; 
and  until  this  is  done  our  plans  must,  +0  some  extent, 
be  indefinite,  and  our  labor  like  that  of  children.  If 
we  are  to  depend  on  a  native  agency  to  conduct  our 
schools,  and  give  moral  and  religious  instruction  to 
the  thousands  of  nature's  rudest,  wildest  sons,  scat- 
tered along  these  lakes  and  rivers,  we  cannot  open 
an  Indian  school  too  coon,  at  some  central  point,  for 
giving  such  instruction  to  well-selected  Indian  youths 
as  will  qualify  them  for  such  labor.  But  if  we  are 
to  depend  on  the  agency  of  white  men,  the  sooner  ten 
or  twelve  young  men  of  good  sense,  good  common 
school  education,  and  deep,  self-denying  piety,  enter 
this  Indian  country  the  better,  as  it  will  require  some 


"¥ 


JESUIT    INTLUENCE. 


165 


time  to  learn  the  Indian  language,  without  'vliich 
their  usefulness  would  bo  quite  limited." 

Like  a  wise  man,  Mr.  Clark  desired  to  build  on  a 
good  foundation,  and  he  regarded  himself  as  engaged 
in  a  preparatory  work. 

The  reader  will  recollect  that  the  promising  mis- 
sion at  Grand  Traverse  was  broken  up  by  Komish 
influencr,  and,  therefore,  will  not  be  surprised  to 
learn  that  similar  attempts  were  made  at  other  places. 
At  Green  Bay,  the  chiefs  who  were  under  the  control 
of  the  Jesuits,  passed  a  decree  in  council,  that  any 
Indian  who  should  allow  Methodist  meetings  to  bo 
held  in  his  house  should  lose  his  annuity,  and  threat- 
ening also  to  take  away  his  land.  But  a  bravo 
Indian,  by  the  name  of  John  House,  invited  Mr. 
White  to  preach  in  his  house.  Tlie  bigoted  chiefs 
renewed  their  threats.  On  arriving  at  the  house  Mr. 
White  found  a  council  of  Christian  Indians,  and  some 
others  who  were  friendly  to  toleration.  After  a  little 
discussion,  one  who  had  belonged  to  the  hostile 
party,  and  a  member  of  their  Church,  said,  "  I  want 
religion  more  than  I  want  money,  and  if  I  can  get  it, 
I  will  run  the  risk  of  losing  my  annuity."  So  said 
all.  The  seats  were  arranged,  and  the  house  was 
filled ;  and  many  during  that  meeting  feU  that  relig- 
ion is  better  than  money!  Alluding  to  these  inci- 
dents Mr.  Clark  says :  "  Considering  all  the  circum- 
stances, the  thousand  snares  which  still  surround 


5^ 


k 


1 


1 


/     I 


166 


LIFE    OF    REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


If 


H 


i!  ; 


them,  with  all  tho  Jesuitical  influence  of  foreign 
priests,  I  cannot  but  feel  encouraged  with  the  state 
of  the  mission." 

Before  these  difficulties  were  fully  adjusted,  and 
tlie  hostility  of  the  wicked  had  abated,  some  of  those 
threats  had  been  literally  executed.  Joseph  PowIcb, 
a  native  exhorter,  had  been  very  faithful  in  his  en- 
deavors to  lead  his  erring  people  to  the  Saviour ;  and 
for  this  the  chiefs,  into  whose  hands  tho  annuity 
came,  refused  to  pay  him ;  and  thus,  for  conscience* 
sake,  he  was  robbed  of  his  right.  A  poor  widow, 
also,  was  for  the  same  reason  deprived  of  her  annuity, 
on  which  she  depended  chiefly  for  the  support  of  her 
helpless  children.  Let  it  be  remembered  that  it  was 
not  paganism  that  prompted  to  those  deeds  of  op- 
pression and  persecution ;  but  it  was  that  which  is 
even  worse — the  bigotry  and  intolerance  of  pretended 
Christianity  I 

His  great  desire  for  more  help  is  often  expressed 
in  strong  terms,  such  as  were  dictated  by  a  personal 
knowledge  of  the  wants  of  the  work.  He  regrets 
much  that  no  man  with  a  healthy  family  had  been 
found  for  Sault  Ste.  Marie,  and  asks,  "Are  none 
willing  to  come  3  I  trust  this  is  not  the  case.  Is  the 
treasury  too  empty  to  bear  the  additional  cost,  and 
the  Church  too  poor  to  fill  it?  I  cannot  believe 
this.  But  even  this  need  not  hinder,  for  I  am 
willing  to  live  on  haff  raUons  rather  than  have  this 


!  I 


VISIT    TO    KE-WA-WE-NON. 


167 


reign 
Btato 

,  and 

those 

jwles, 

lis  on- 
;  and 

inuity 

jience' 

vidow, 

inuity, 
of  her 
it  was 
of  op- 

hich  is 
tended 

pressed 
ersonal 
regrets 
id  been 
re  none 
Is  the 
ost,  and 
believe 
■   I   am 
ave  thifl 


place  remain  without  the  regular  ministry  of  the 
word." 

In  the  month  of  June,  1835,  Mr.  Clark  vidlLod  Ko- 
wa-wo-non,  and  was  fifteen  days  on  the  passage  from 
Green  Bay,  in  an  open  boat  propelled  by  oars.  He 
was  met  with  cordial  greetings  from  several  Cliristian 
Indian  families  who  had  assembled  on  the  shore  to 
receive  him.  He  called  on  the  chief,  for  whom  he 
had  a  letter  from  his  cousin  at  the  Sault,  a  picns 
and  intelligent  native  lady.  This  letter  he  read  to 
the  chief,  through  an  interpreter,  and  presented  his 
permission  from  the  Indian  agent  to  travel  and 
establish  schools  and  missions  in  the  Indian  country. 

A  council  was  held  next  day,  at  which  he  dis- 
tributed a  few  small  presents,  according  to  custom, 
and  stated  the  object  of  his  visit — to  inquire  after 
the  welfare  of  those  who  had  listened  to  the  good 
talk  of  those  who  had  passed  the  winter  with  them, 
namely,  Eev.  Mr.  Chandler  and  his  native  helpers. 
He  desired  also  a  small  piece  of  ground  for  a 
school-house,  and  dwellings  for  those  who  should 
labor  among  them. 

The  chief  said  he  could  not  point  out  any  place 
where  they  could  build  a  house ;  so  said  the  whole 
pagan  party.  But  after  several  talks  and  explana- 
tions, ground  was  given  for  the  buildings,  as  also 
for  agricultural  purposes.  The  agreement  was  writ- 
ten and  lodged  with  the  agent  at  Mackinaw.    Mr. 


I«'l 


158 


LIFE    OF    UeV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


^f 


iii- 


ill!  ' 


Chandler  had  oroctod  n  house  for  himsolf  and  the 
mission  the  preceding  autumn,  in  the  absence  of 
the  chief,  and  had  been  obliged  to  give  bim  a 
lonua  on  his  return. 

Mr.  Olark  tarried  with  them  seven  days,  and 
meetings  were  held  every  evening.  The  Sabbath 
was  a  day  of  great  interest.  A  love-feast  was  held 
at  nine  o'clock,  and  several  spoke  with  much  sim- 
plicity and  earnestness.  Although  he  could  not 
understand  the  language,  <'ho  saw  the  falling  tear, 
and  felt  the  inward  fire."  He  preached  a  sermon, 
which  he  thought  ''lost  none  of  its  energy  in  the 
mouth  of  the  interpreter,  but  told  on  the  hearts  of 
many."  Tlien  followed  the  ordinances  of  Baptism 
and  the  Lord's  Supper.  The  whole  number  bap- 
tized since  the  commencement  of  the  mission  was 
fifty;  of  these  thirty  were  adults,  who  appeared  to 
be  serving  the  Lord  in  sincerity. 

The  superintendent  was  much  pleased  with  the 
evidences  of  faithfulness  on  the  part  of  Mr.  Chandler, 
and  continued  him  in  that  mission,  with  William 
Herkimer  and  wife,  both  natives;  and  also  John 
Johnson,  another  native  from  Mud  Lake.  Her- 
kimer and  Johnson  were  directed  to  spend  two 
months  at  Ontonagon  Eiver,  still  further  up  the 
lake,  where  there  was  a  good  prospect  among  the 
Indians.  Mr.  Chandler  was  instmcted  to  have  a 
dwelling  and  school-house,  built  of  logs,  flattened  on 


t0' 


INDIANS    AT    LOVE-FEAST. 


159 


two  sldofl  by  liowing;  tho  roof  of  flattened  timbon, 
covorod  with  clay  mortar,  and  socurod  from  stormH 
by  a  strong  coating  of  codar-bark.  Siicii  houses  may 
bo  made  warm  and  comfortable,  though  rude  in  stylo. 

Uaving  mentioned  tho  lovo-fuast  held  at  this 
place,  perhaps  it  will  be  acceptable  to  the  reader 
to  have  here  inserted  some  remarks  of  the  Lidians 
on  a  similar  occasion. 

Chiefs  Yellow  Head:  *<  Brothers  and  sisters,  I 
rise  before  you  and  the  Great  Spirit,  to  tell  you 
how  thankful  I  am  that  the  Great  Spirit  spared 
me  to  see  this  day.  My  greatest  desire  is  to  get 
safely  to  heaven.  I  always  feel  thankful  to  the 
missionaries  who  first  told  mo  and  my  people  the 
.vay  to  heaven.  I  will  always  listen  to  their  words, 
that  I  may  know  all  about  Jesus.  I  am  happy  in 
my  heart  this  day.    Tliis  is  all  I  have  to  say." 

Emma  Bahmsega:  "I  am  very  glad  in  my 
heart  this  day.  The  Great  Spirit  has  done  much 
for  me,  in  bringing  me  out  of  darkness  to  see  the 
way  to  heaven.  I  am  glad  to  see  our  ministers, 
and  to  hear  their  good  words.  I  will  try  to  be 
faithful  as  long  as  I  live." 

Chief,  Big  /Shilling:    "My  dear  brothers  and 

sisters,  I  am  happy  to  see  you  this  day.     I  am 

happy  in  my  heart  every  day.     I  will  trust  in 

Jesus  as  long  as  I  live.     This  is  all  I  have  to  say." 

WiUiam  Snake:  "My  brothers  and  sisters,  it  is 


f 


I 


•%« 


.ti 


WV   I   W  III   I    ■  HI 


"W"     rii nn 


mgm 


160 


Tiller 


LIFE    OF    BEV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


six  years  since  I  first  set  out  in  the  service  of  Jesus, 
and  I  am  glad  that  I  am  not  tired  of  this  good  way. 
Several  of  the  brothers  and  sisters  have  died  out 
of  my  class ;  they  have  gone  to  the  Great  Spirit  in 
heaven,  where  they  are  now  praising  him.  I  am 
left  to  weep  over  their  bones,  but  I  hope  by  and  by 
to  meet  them  in  heaven.    I  will  trust  in  Jesus." 

JBig  Jacob,  (John  Sunday's  brother :)  "  When  the 
Methodists  were  preaching  to  our  people,  I  heard 
that  the  chiefs  and  warriors  were  frequently  in 
tears;  I  then  said  I  would  not  shed  tears  were 
I  to  hear  them.  I  went,  determined  not  to  behave 
myself  like  a  womcm  by  crying.  I  sat  near  the 
door.  The  preacher  was  speaking  about  Jesus 
dying  on  the  cross,  and  the  Indians  were  sobbmg 
all  around  me.  I  began  to  feel  serious,  and  then 
the  tears  fell;  I  wiped  my  eyes,  but  the  tears 
would  flow.  I  asked  myself.  Am  I  crying  toof 
Brothers,  I  was  ashamed  to  shed  tears;  but  now 
it  is  not  because  I  am  a  coward  that  I  cry,  for 
I  never  shed  a  tear  on  the  battle-field,  nor  when 
my  children  and  friends  ky  dead  before  me.  No! 
I  never  dropped  a  tear.  I  am  very  happy  and 
thankful  that  the  Great  Spirit  did  not  say,  *I  will 
never  bless  this  Indian.'" 

John  Sunday  then  interpreted  to  the  whites  what 
his  brother  had  said,  and  added:  ^^ Brothers,  that 
was  a  great  hig  mercy  for  that  great  Ug  Indian.^^ 


■*- 


•^•i 


MISSION    AT    LAC    COURT    OKEILLE.       161 


esuB, 
way. 
d  out 
iritin 
I  am 
,ndby 

• 

en  tho 

heard 
itly  in 
8  were 
behave 
ear  the 
b  JesuB 
Bobbing 
nd  then 
le  tearB 
\ng  toof 
but  now 

cry,  for 
Lor  when 
ne.    No  I 
ippy  and 
jr,  *I  wiU 

lites  what 
hers,  that 


k 


CHAPTER  XrV. 


INDIAN  MISSIONS— CONTINUED. 

Lao    Court    Oreille  —  Taunchy  —  Copway  —  Marksman  —  Menomoneo 

—  Call-beach  —  A.  School  amicipatod  —  La  Pointo  —  Rev.  Shonnan 
Hall  —  Teachers  winter  at  La  Folate  —  Efl'ects  of  their  Visit — Trans- 
lating —  Mr.  Hall's  catholic  Spirit  —  Watch-meeting  at  Ke-wa-we-non 

—  A  "Medicine  Man"  —  John  Cah-beach  at  Menomonee — Visit  to 
Sault  Ste.  Mario  —  State  of  the  Mission  —  Need  of  a  Farmer — Visits 
Menomonee  —  Wild  Rico  —  Mode  of  Harvesting— Death  of  tho  old 
Chief — Whisky — Indian  Converts  keep  tuo  Sabbath — Indians  sell 
their  Land,  and  remove  —  Oneida  West — Misses  Mudgett  and  Leo — 
A  House  demolished  and  School  dispersed  by  a  Mob. 

Ever  intent  on  prosecuting  his  great  work,  and 
spreading  the  Gospel  among  the  Indians,  Mr.  Clark, 
in  the  summer  of  1835,  sent  John  Taunchy,  Geoige 
Copway,  and  Peter  Marksman,  all  native  Chippe- 
was,  to  establish  a  mission  at  Lac  Court  Oi'eille, 
(Lac  Coort  Ora.)  Tliis  lake  lies  in  a  fine  rich 
country,  at  the  head  of  one  of  the  principal  branches 
of  the  Chippewa  River,  about  midway  between  Lake 
Superior  and  the  Mississippi  River.  He  had  been 
informed  by  travelers,  who  had  spent  some  time  in 
that  country,  that  one  of  the  largest  bands  of 
Chippewas  in  all  the  interior  was  located  in  that 
section. 

.  About  the  same  time  he  dispatched  Cah-beach  to 

11 


n 


I' 


1      ii 

it:: ' 


162 


LIFE    OF    REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


i       ! 


t¥ 


I 


lit- 


.11! 


?n     i  ! 


the  Menomonees,  on  the  river  of  that  name,  having 
previously  visited  the  place  himself.  This  native 
and  his  family  were  the  first  persons  ever  located  in 
that  country  for  pious  purposes.  He  had  strong 
hopes  of  being  able  to  establish  a  school  here,  under 
the  direction  of  John  Summerfield,  a  Chippewa 
youth,  who  had  received  instruction  at  the  Caze- 
novia  Seminary,  in  the  State  of  New- York.  With 
this  object  in  view  he  had  conferred  with  some  of  the 
head  men  of  the  tribe,  and  learned  that  they  were 
anxious  to  have  a  school:  provided  their  children 
could  live  in  the  institution,  so  as  not  to  be  obliged 
to  wander  about  with  their  parents  a  great  part  of 
the  time,  and  forget  all  they  should  learn.  There 
were  many  reasons  why  he  desired  to  open  such  a 
school ;  among  which  was  this :  He  had  reached  the 
conclusion  that  a  native  agency  must  be  our  chief 
dependence  among  the  Indians ;  and  this  would  be 
a  favorable  location  for  all  such  youths  as  might  be 
selected  for  future  laborers.  These  could  there  be 
tan^ht,  and  thence  sent  out  to  all  parts  of  the 
country  with  convenience  and  dispatch. 

In  October  Mr.  Clark  received  letters  from  the 
young  men  whom  he  had  sent  to  Lac  Court  Oreille. 
They  reached  La  Pointe,  the  grand  d^p6t  of  the 
northwestern  department  of  the  American  Fur  Com- 
pany on  the  25th  of  August,  and  were  kindly  enter- 
tained by  Mr.  Warren,  the  gentleman  in  charge  of 


Hi. 


SCHOOL    AT    LAC    COURT    OKEILLE. 


les 


that  station  for  the  company,  and  also  hy  Mr.  Sherman 
Hall,  of  the  American  Board  of  Missions.  Here 
they  were  detained  a  considerable  time,  waiting  for 
the  new  schooner,  John  Jacob  Astor,  with  pro- 
visions; and  also  for  the  trader  to  accomplish  his 
business,  and  then  serve  as  a  guide  to  the  place  of 
their  destination,  which  was  also  the  post  of  the 
trader.  Finding  that  he  would  b  3  detained  longer 
than  was  expected,  they  hired  an  Indian  guide;  and 
having  obtained  provisions,  they  packed  all  on  board 
two  bark  canoes,  and  left  La  Poince  about  the  first 
of  September.  • 

They  ascended  the  Mauvis  Ri\er  twenty-eight 
miles,  to  the  third  portage,  when  their  guide  had  the 
misfortune  to  cut  his  foot  very  badly  with  an  ax.  Tliey 
tarried  two  days,  while  the  poor  man  suffered  much 
pain,  and  was  wholly  unable  to  travel  or  sleep. 
Copway  then  took  one  canoe  and  the  wounded 
guide,  and  returned  to  La  Pointe,  while  the  others 
pursued  their  way.  They  soon  met  with  an  Indian 
family  residing  at  their  place  of  destination,  and 
were  guided  on  their  way. 

On  their  arrival  they  found  the  old  chief  and  a  few 
men;  but  most  had  gone  to  their  winter's  hunt.  Tlie 
chief  was  very  friendly,  but  chose  to  defer  his 
decision  concerning  a  school,  &c.,  until  his  people 
should  return  in  the  spring.  This  fact,  together  with 
a  failure  in  the  arrival  of  provisions,  induced  the 


11 


»!. 


ti 


,  •  m 


^a' 


164  LIFE    OF    KEY.    JOHN    OLABK. 


Ml 


i 


1  , 


% 


1 1 


teachers  to  return  to  La  Pointe  to  spend  the  win- 
ter. Hero  they  were  kindly  provided  for  by  Rev, 
Mr.  Hall.  Tliis  gentleman  wrote  to  Mr.  Clark, 
expressing  his  joy  in  the  extension  of  the  good 
work  under  the  direction  of  the  Methodists,  and 
his  belief  that  a  gracious  Providence  directed  these 
yoUng  men  to  La  Pointe  to  spend  the  winter. 
He  furnished  a  room  for  two  of  them  in  his  own 
house,  and  boarded  one  at  his  own  table ;  and 
Cop  way,  in  turn,  rendered  him  essential  service, 
both  as  interpreter,  and  in  translating  portions  of 
the  Kew  Testament  into  Chippewa.  That  good 
missionary  rendered  the  young  men  all  the  aid 
in  his  power  in  the  prosecution  of  their  work  among 
the  Indians  at  La  Pointe,  urging  them  to  conduct 
meetings  in  their  own  way,  and  conform  in  all  things 
to  the  instructions  of  their  superintendent.  It  is 
refreshing  to  meet  with  such  examples  of  a  catholic 
spirit ;  and  these  are  in  bold  contrast  with  the  bigotry 
and  malevolence  which  characterize  the  spirit  of 
such  men  as  the  authors  of  ''^The  Great  Iron  "Wheel," 
and  "The  Centuries"  of  Lynn.} 

Mr.  Clark  received  cheering  intelligence  from 
several  places  within  his  charge  in  the  following 
winter.    Mr.  Chandler  wriic.^  from  Ke-wa-we-non : 

"  On  the  last  evening  of  the  year  a  watch-meeting 
was  held,  whicli  was  crowned  with  displays  pf  grace. 
The  holy  fire  burned  more  and  more,  until  ti  resistless 


PROGRESS    OF   THE    WORK. 


165 


power  came  upon  the  brethren,  many  of  whom  were 
cast  helpless  on  the  floor;  and  one  heathen  was 
wallowing  in  agony  for  the  space  of  an  hour,  when 
he  found  deliverance  through  faith  in  Christ,  and 
immediately  joined  class.  The  heathen  were  there 
to  witness  this  wonderful  work,  and  retired  under  the 
deep  conviction  that  their  idols  were  vain.  Tlie 
brethren  went  to  their  camps  happy  in  God.  The 
mission  prospers  in  all  its  branches.  More  houses 
will  be  ready  soon,  and  the  Indians  will  be  more 
settled ;  and  then  the  mission  and  school  M'ill  be  of 
greater  service.  The  Indians  are  very  thankful  to 
Brother  Clark  for  the  provision  he  has  made  for  their 
souls  and  bodies." 

Mr.  Bourne  wrote  from  Sault  Ste.  Marie:  "The 
mission,  I  trust,  is  on  the  advance,  particularly  in 
relation  to  experience  among  the  members,  and  the 
evident  improvement  in  the  school ;  but  the  Catholic 
influence  is  tremendous,  and  presents  a  formidable 
barrier  to  our  prosperity." 

One  Indian  of  some  note  as  a  medicine  man,  sent 
the  following  message :  "  We  shake  hands  with  you 
in  our  hearts,  and  are  well.  I  feel  thankful  that  you 
have  built  me  a  house  to  live  in  these  two  winters 
past,  whei'e  we  enjoy  ourselves  If  the  Lord  will 
help  me,  from  this  time  I  will  try  to  v;erve  him." 

John  Cah-beach  wrote  from  Menomonee  River, 
"We  are  all  well,  and  happy  in  the  Lord.    I  have 


^HS 


ft 


166 


LIFE    OP    REV.  JOHN    CLARK. 


f! 


■i;  I 


^i    ;|i| 


I  i 


-n'l 


t|    '  !l 


been  down  to  Bay  de  Noque ;  1  spend  several  days 
there.  When  I  go  down  I  have  great  snow-storm. 
I  Iiad  to  stop  and  build  a  fire  on  shore  in  the 
snow.  I  have  no  tomahawk,  no  bread,  but  little 
com,  and  it  was  very  cold  I  I  heat  a  stone,  and 
put  that  stone  to  my  back  when  I  go  to  bed,  and 
I  wake  up  every  half  hour.  Kobody  with  me ;  but 
I  have  good  book  and  Jesus  with  me.  I  have 
good  company  there  that  cold  night." 

Bay  de  Noque  is  at  the  north  end  of  Green  Bay, 
and  the  Indians  there  are  asking  for  a  native  mis- 
sionary to  live  with  them.  Thus  the  leaven  of 
truth  and  grace  was  constantly  spreading. 

In  the  preceding  autumn  (1835)  Mr.  Clark  visited 
Sault  Ste.  Marie  and  remained  several  days,  look- 
ing to  the  various  interests  of  the  mission,  and 
uniting  with  the  brethren  in  eflforts  to  increase  the 
prosperity  of  the  work.  In  his  letter  to  the  Board 
he  says : 

"I  found  the  little  mission  family  (consisting  of 
Milton  Bourne,  teacher,  and  Peter  Jacobs,  exhorter, 
and  family)  all  in  good  health  and  spirits.  The 
Indians  have  better  prospects  of  support  than  last 
fall,  as  they  have  a  more  abundant  supply  of 
potatoes.  The  services  of  (i,  gQod  farmer  would  be 
of  incalculable  benefit  to  the  Indians.  It  would 
increase  their  means  of  subsistence,  render  them 
more  permanent,  and  thus  the  labors  of  the  mis- 


1 


AGRICULTURAL    IMPROVEMENT. 


167 


eionaries  and  teachers  would  bo  fourfold  more  bene- 
ficial. The  expense  annually  would  not  be  more 
than  $250,  and  his  services  would  not  be  needed 
more  than  two  years. 

"  I  am  happy  to  say  the  Indians  are  increasingly 
attached  to  their  houses,  so  that  if  a  person  could 
be  employed  two  years  to  aid  them  in  enlarging 
their  fields,  making  good  fences  to  secure  their 
crops,  as  well  as  to  give  them  instruction  in  agri- 
culture, the  time  is  near  when  they  would  be 
as  permanently  settled  is  their  white  neighbors. 
While  their  poverty  induces  erratic  habits,  they 
are  deprived  of  regular  instruction;  yet  I  found 
them  in  a  better  state  than  I  had  expected.  The 
interviews  I  had  with  them  at  their  camps,  in 
their  houses,  in  social  prayer,  in  public,  and  at 
the  Lord's  Table,  were  both  interesting  and  profit- 
able. Be  assured  the  pious  feelings  of  this  people 
are  of  no  evanescent  character.  Tlie  region  is  cold, 
soil  rather  poor,  and  hence  the  Indians  are  wander- 
ing in  their  habits.  Still  the  day  of  eternity  will 
show  that  money  has  not  been  bestowed  nor  labor 
performed  in  vain  upon  these  destitute  sheep  in  the 
wilderness." 

In  the  spring  of  1836  Mr.  Clark  again  visited 
Menomonee  River,  where  John  Cah-beach  was 
laboring.  Menomonee  signifies  rice^  and  the  chief 
rivers  of  this  country  abound  with  that  grain.    It  is 


i! 


I 


t 


168 


LIFE    OF    REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


■i  I 


i 


collected  in  September.  Before  it  is  fully  ripe,  the 
Indiaus  pass  through  in  canoes,  and  tie  the  straw 
in  small  bundles  just  above  the  water,  to  prevent 
its  fulling  as  it  ripens.  When  it  is  ready  for  the 
harvest,  they  cut  these  bundles  below  the  bands, 
and  take  them  in  canoes  to  the  place  of  threshing. 
In  order  to  deprive  the  grain  of  the  hull,  they 
put  it  into  large  sacks,  and  tread  it  out  with  their 
feet.  As  the  sack  must  be  kept  in  an  upright 
position  during  the  operation,  it  is  placed  in  a 
round  hole  dug  in  the  earth.  This  gi'ain,  at  that 
time,  constituted  a  staple  in  the  line  of  food,  and 
considerable  quantities  were  sold  to  other  places. 

Cah-beach  had  labored  faithfully  in  the  midst 
of  difficulties,  and  had  met  with  some  success. 
Several  Indians  had  begun  to  listen  with  interest 
to  the  words  of  the  teacher,  and  som'*  had  begun 
to  pray  to  the  true  God.  But  there  were  many 
discouragements,  among  which  was  the  death  of  the 
chief,  who  had  been  foremost  in  requesting  instruc- 
tion for  his  people.  Whisky,  also,  was  doing  its 
work  of  degradation  and  death,  notwithstanding  the 
prohibitory  law  of  the  general  government.  Per- 
haps those  unprincipled  traders  had  at  their  com- 
mand some  seventb-rate  lawyer,  who  pronounced  the 
law  unconstitutional^  as  their  successors  have  done 
in  similar  cases  in  later  times ;  if  so,  it  is  not  strange 
that  whisky  was  regarded  as  "  the  one  thing  needful." 


!    i; 


liili 


OBSERVANCE    OP   THE    BABBATIT. 


169 


pe,  tlie 
)  straw 
prevent 
for  the 

bands, 
resiling. 
11,  they 
til  their 

upright 
gd   in  a 

at  that 
bod,  and 
ilaces. 
le   midst 

success. 

interest 
id  begun 


The  converted  Indians  are  very  conscientious  in 
relation  to  the  discharge  of  duty,  and  also  in  their 
regard  for  the  institutions  of  religion.  The  Chris- 
tian Sabbath  is  most  sacredly  observed,  as  the  follow- 
ing will  show:  A  woman  and  her  children  having 
gone  into  the  woods  to  make  sugar,  were  com- 
pelled to  remain  eight  days  before  they  could  secure 
sap  from  the  trees.  Their  food  was  exhausted,  and 
they  were  compelled  to  fast  for  several  days.  On 
Saturday  the  warm  weather  came,  and  the  trees 
were  tapped,  and  on  Sabbath  the  sap  flowed  freely. 
Tliough  sorely  pinched  with  hunger,  she  waited 
until  midnight,  and  then  collected  the  sap,  boiled 
it  to  molasses,  and  just  before  daylight  they  satis- 
fied their  gnawing  hunger.  Is  not  this  a  strong 
rebuke  to  many  who  profess  religion,  and  yet  for- 
get to  keep  the  Sabbath-day  holy? 

Mr.  Clark  made  arrangements  for  the  erection 
of  a  house,  twenty  by  thirty  feet,  which  should 
serve  the  pm-poses  of  the  family  and  school,  and 
he  fondly  hoped  that  this  might  be  the  nucleus 
of  a  seminary  for  tlie  instruction  of  teachers,  who 
might  be  gathered  from  the  various  tribes,  and  in 
due  time  go  forth  to  preach  the  Gospel  and  teach 
the  children  through  all  those  regions  of  darkness 
and  sin. 

But  while  his  warm  heart  rejoiced  in  the 
fact,  that  for  a  hundred  miles  along  that  bay  an 


i 


ik 


If 


170 


LIFE    OF    HKV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


iiiilucnco  was  oxtonding  in  favor  of  Christianity, 
and  while  his  visions  of  the  future  wore  tinged 
with  brightness,  a  change  came  over  tlie  face  of 
things  at  that  point.  Hie  Indians  conchided  to 
dispose  of  their  lands  and  remove  into  the  interior, 
and  an  end  was  made,  both  of  the  mission  and 
school  at  Menomonco  River.  Such  events  often 
crossed  his  plans  in  other  places,  and  caused  him 
much  disappointment.  Tlie  avarice  of  the  whites, 
and  the  improvidence  of  the  Indians,  were  strong 
barriers  to  missionary  success. 

The  mission  at  Oneida  West  wn  i  a  prosperous 
state  in  1836.  The  school  had  been  for  some  time 
under  the  care  of  RoUa  H.  Chubb,  of  "Western 
New- York;  but  he  was  on  the  point  of  leaving 
for  the  interior  of  the  Chippewa  country.  It  was, 
therefore,  put  under  the  care  of  Miss  Sophia  Mud- 
gett,  who,  with  Miss  Etherlinda  Lee,  had  just 
arrived  from  Newberry  Seminary,  Vt.  Miss  Lee 
was  instructed  to  open  a  school  about  four  miles 
north  of  the  other,  for  which  arrangements  were 
nearly  completed.  A  house  was  secured  under  a 
permanent  lease  for  fifty  dollars,  and  there  was 
already  a  school  of  fifteen  native  children  and  a 
class  of  twenty  members. 

In  that  place  Miss  Lee  opened  her  school  on  the 
26th  of  June ;  and,  after  teaching  four  and  a  half 
days,  a  mob  of  opposing  chiefs,  the  interpreter  and 


1  it 


DESTRUCTIOI^  OF  MISS  LEK'S  SCHOOL.    171 

othoi*s — nil  under  tho  pastoral  caro  of  tho  Rov.  Solo- 
mon Dnvirt,  of  tlio  Protestant  Epiwcojml  C'hurch — 
camo  and  leveled  tlio  houso  with  fho  ground.  Con- 
cerning this  abominable  outrage  Mr.  Clark  says : 

"So  thoy  appear  determined,  that,  while  thoy  have 
no  school  for  tho  benefit  of  tho  young  pagans,  wo 
shall  not  bo  permitted  to  have  one  for  those  under  our 
own  care.  But  they,  with  tho  reverend  gentleman  at 
their  head,  as  their  spiritual  guide,  must  settle  this 
matter  at  tho  great  day  of  accounts.  Sister  Lee, 
though  thus  roughly  handled,  wan  calm  and  self- 
possessed,  and  is  in  the  other  part  of  tho  nation,  and 
is  useful." 

It  is  not  absolutely  certain  that  ho  of  the  Church 
instigated  the  outiago ;  but  surely  ho  had  not  taught 
his  people  the  plain  lessons  of  heathen  morality,  and 
much  less  of  Christian  charity  and  brotherly  kind- 
ness. 


172 


Lira  or  rev.  john  oLAitt. 


*ii: 


I 

1  ^^ 

'    \ 

fi        ' 

1-  '  i 

I!   iWau, 

r  "1 

1 

Hi 

1:   ■. 

■  1 

L  I 

1   i  !  t 

\  k  ' 

■  1  ■ 

f 

J  :  1                ■■ 

■| ,  »  i 

h  :  • 

■  '      I 

;  t 

i  '   ' 

^  ir    i 

'r 

(11  jiri 

it 

■I 

('1 

1 

CIIAFTER  XV. 

INDIAN  MISSIONS— CONTINUED. 

ViHlU  Sftiilt  fltc.  Mario  —  Tiullan  IinprovcmontH  — Ko-wa-wo-non— 
rcttcoftil  Dcothn  — StotUtlcH  — Mr.  ChoiulKir  vloltn  IFitmo  — Vlult  to 
Lao  Court  Orulllo  — Kov.  Hhurnian  Ilnll  — A  Siij^K<"'tl'>"  — Modo  of 
Tnivol  —  I'ortot^uM  —  I'ortiijjc  Collurn  —  A  tlim^'erouH  rian)(u  —  Frlondly 
C'hlof  lit  Lno  Court  Orelllo  — Credulity  of  liidUiiiH  — Mr.  Clftrk  parti 
•with  tlio  Tuachurii  —  Farowul!  Pruyor  In  the  Forest  — Lonff  Journey  — 
MlrtHirtKippi  Klvor  —  I'rulrlo  du  Ohion  —  SwUh  MlKsUm  —  Fort  Wlnno- 
bogo  — Scrvlooi  In  the  Fort  — Ljiko  'Wlnnebujfo  — (Jrocn  Buy  —  Ilia 
Obncrvatlonfl  —  ChanKCK  In  that  Country  —  Etluct  on  Miiitlout  —  Extract 
iVom  KpUcopal  Kucordor. 

Mr.  Clark  visited  Sault  Sto.  Mario  again  in  the 
spring  of  1836,  and  fonnd  the  mission  family  in 
health,  and  the  community  in  peace.  The  Indians 
had  occupied  thoir  houses  with  gladness  and  comfort 
during  the  winter,  and  more  were  desired.  Tlieir 
fields  had  been  nmch  enlarged ;  and  the  erection  of 
division  fences  gave  to  the  whole  an  agricultural  air 
which  was  quite  cheering.  Their  spiritual  state  was 
good,  and,  out  of  thirty-three  native  members,  only 
one  had  tasted  a  drop  of  whisky ;  and  he  gave  such 
evident  signs  of  real  humiliation  that  he  was  borne 
with.  Mr.  Bourne  was  about  leaving  on  a  visit  to  hig 
friends  in  the  east,  and  then  return  and  join  the  con- 
ference in  which  the  Indian  missions  were  located. 


we-non— 
-Vlult  to 
-Mode  of 
-  Frii-n  Jly 
:iark  p«irti 
Journey  — 
jrt  Wliuio- 
Buy  — ni« 
•  —  Extract 


VI8IT   TO    KK-WA-WE-NON. 


178 


Tho  Huporinteiulunt  uIho  vUitcd  Ku*wu-wu-uou  a 
ftiW  ilayt)  later,  and  luund  tho  work  jtronpuriiig. 
Two  iiiemhorH  of  tho  society  luul  died  an  ChriMtiaiiB 
die — ill  peace,  and  with  u  joyful  hope  of  a  blisMful 
immortality.  One  had  boon  Hot  auide,  and  threo  new 
converts  had  been  received.  Tlie  whole  number  of 
nionibors  was  thirty-two.  Tho  school  contiiined 
twenty-sovon  children — four  in  tho  alphabet,  eight- 
oon  in  spelling,  and  five  in  reading  Icshoms.  IIo 
contracted  for  a  good  school-house,  eighteen  by 
twenty-four  foot,  with  four  windows;  to  bo  furnished 
with  a  stovo,  writing-table,  and  benches;  tho  wholo 
at  a  cost  of  $131.  IIo  also  furnished  the  Indians 
with  iivo  now  axes  and  fivo  grub  hoes. 

After  two  years'  laborious  service  Mr.  Chandler 
loft  on  the  20th  of  Juno,  to  visit  his  friends  in  tho  oast, 
and  attend  tho  session  of  tho  Troy  Conference,  into 
which  body  ho  had  been  admitted  on  trial  two  years 
before.  By  a  change  in  tho  time  of  holding  tho 
conference,  (of  which  he  was  not  advised,)  ho  arrived 
too  lute  to  bo  admitted  and  ordained.  But  when  tho 
iUcts  wore  laid  before  Bishop  Hedding,  he  invited 
Mr.  Chandler  to  moot  him  at  the  Genesee  Conference, 
where,  on  the  usual  recommendation,  he  was  ordained 
to  the  office  of  both  deacon  and  elder. 

On  Mr.  Chandler's  departure  from  that  mission 
Mr.  Clark  says:  "We  find  it  hard  to  break  away 
from  those  perishing  sheep  in  the  wilderness.    Yes  t 


•i, 


I: 


174 


LIFE    OF    KEV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


j^'-  liiiiiWiiir 


# 


'*''■ 


notwithstanding  their  ignorance  and  filth,  their  con- 
dition awakens  sympathy  in  the  heart  of  the  mission- 
aiy.  from  wliich  it  is  impossible  to  escape.  The  Lord 
help  us  to  be  faithful." 

In  the  absence  of  Mr.  Chandler,  that  station  was 
left  in  charge  of  William  Herkimer,  the  native  who 
had  labored  there  in  connection  with  him ;  and  also 
of  Mr.  Chubb,  who  had  been  the  teacher  at  Oneida 
West. 

In  July  of  this  year,  (1836,)  Mr.  Clark  set  out  on  a 
visit  to  Lac  Court  Oreille,  and  tarried  a  few  davs  at 
La  Pointe,  where  he  was  kindly  entertained  by  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Hall,  at  the  Mission  of  the  American 
Board.  Tlie  reader  has  heard  of  this  Christian 
gentleman  before;  and  Mr.  Clark  confirms  all  that 
was  said  in  his  favor  by  the  native  speakers  who 
had  shared  his  hospitality  and  courtesy.  He  says: 
"  As  it  does  not  belong  to  me  to  report  the  state  of 
the  work  in  other  denominations,  I  will  only  remark, 
that  the  providential  detention  of  our  brethren  here 
for  the  winter  has  been,  I  trust,  a  blessing  to  this 
mission,  and  will  send  out  an  influence  in  the  country 
v/hich  will  do  good  in  days  to  come.  By  the  aid  of 
one  of  our  young  Chippewas,  Mr.  Hall  has  been 
ablcj  to  translate  the  entire  Gospel  of  Luke  into  that 
language,  and  is  anxious  to  be  assisted  to  translate 
that  of  Mark  also.  Could  not  the  gi-eat  cause  be 
promo*^:?''.  by  our  cooperation  in  preparing  the  entire 


t    ! 


In.  I  in 


con- 
ision- 
Lord 

1  was 
J  who 
i  also 
Oneida 

Lt  on  a 

lays  at 

by  tho 

lerican 

iristian 

ill  that 

rs  who 

e  says: 
tate  of 
emark, 

en  here 
to  this 
country 
aid  of 

las  been 
nto  that 
Tanslate 
ause  be 
le  entire 


HI3    ZEAL    IN    THE    WOBK. 


176 


^ 


New  Testament,  with  elementary  school-books  in 
Chippewa?  The  American  Board  is  beforehand 
with  us  in  regard  to  white  missionaries,  while  we  arc 
in  advance  of  them  in  regard  to  natives.  Now,  a  W 
combination  of  our  strength  in  preparing  books  for 
instruction  would,  as  appears  to  me,  be  attended 
with  mutual  benefit." 

At  every  point,  and  at  all  times,  we  find  the 
heart  of  our  missionary  intent  upon  the  work  in 
hand,  and  devising  liberal  things  in  relation  to  the 
future  of  Indian  improvement  and  elevation.  But 
his  views  and  plans  were  in  advance  of  the  zeal  and 
faith  of  the  Church ;  and  he  was  obliged  to  work  with 
half-digested  plans,  and  with  very  limited  means, 
and  wait  until  a  brighter  day  should  dawn  upon 
the  Church,  and  upon  the  pagans  of  our  own 
land. 

From  La  Pointe  he  pressed  on  to  Lac  Court 
Oreille,  which  required  eleven  days  of  hardship 
and  toil.  Tradition  says  this  lake  received  its 
name  from  the  first  Indian  family  that  came  to 
the  vicinity.  It  waa  called  the  Ottawa  family,  and  ^ 
this  is  the  tme  Indian  name  of  the  lake,  the  other 
being  its  French  name.  Of  this  journey  Mr.  Clark 
thus  speaks: 

"  Could  our  3astem  friends  have  seen  us  in  our     . 
trip  from  Lake   Superior  to  the   Mississippi,  both 
smiles  and  sympathy  would  have  been  excited.    In 


1 

r 
I 


I    ;..u 


m 


'+. 


3!  ■  J 


■«, 


.^■» 


176 


LIFE    OF    KEV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


MP  $f 


the   whole   route    we   made    twenty-one    portages, 
which,  you  know,  are  carrying  places,  where  both 
canoe  and  baggage  must  be  carried  over  on  our 
heads  and  shoulders.     One  of  those  portages  was 
nine  miles  long,  and  required  two  days  to  pass  it; 
several  others  were  from  two  to  three  miles.     In 
making  these   our  canoe  was  earned  bottom  up- 
ward, the  crossbars  resting  on  the  shoulders,  and 
we  rested  every  half  mile.    My  canoe  was  eighteen 
feet  long,  and  made  a  good  load  for  two  men.    We 
passed  our  baggage   by  means   of  twrvp-lineSy  or, 
as  they  are  called,  portage  collars.    They  are  wide 
straps  of  leather,  about  two  feet  long,  with  narrow 
straps  at  each  end,  which  are  fastened  around  the 
load  to  be  carried.     The  load  rests  on  the  small 
of  the  back,  and  the  wide  strap  passes  across  the 
forehead.     On  this  bundle  a  second  one  is  placed, 
resting  against  the  back  part  of  the  head,  to  pre- 
vent its  being  drawn  back  by  the  weight  of  the 
first.    While  rather  a  raw  hand  at  this  business, 
i^ay  jaws  would   crack,  my  neck   grow   stiff,  and 
every  bone,   and  sinew,  and  muscle  of  my  head 
was  put  to  the  test.    But  so  it  was,  and  so  it  must 
be,  in  order  to  perform  my  journey  in  time  to  meet 
the  Illinois  Conference  in  October." 

When  passing  one  of  the  sti*eams,  which  they 
call  Bad  Mi/oer,  they  became  very  weary  in 
managing  the   canoe   in  the   midst  of  rocks  and 


.k,5-; 


A   NARROW    ESCAPE. 


177 


ages, 

both 

i  our 

3  was 

189  it; 

i.     In 

na  lip- 
's, and 

ghteen 

1.    We 

nes,  or, 

re  wide 
narrow 

und  the 

le  small 

•ross  the 
placed, 
to  pre- 

it  of  the 
Dusiness, 
stiff,  and 
xny  head 
o  it  must 
e  to  meet 

hich  they 
weary  in 
rocks  and 


rapids,  and  Mr.  Clark  proposed  that  they  rest 
a  while.  He  stood  upon  a  rock,  holding  the  canoe 
by  a  rope,  while  the  action  of  the  rapid  water 
caused  it  to  sway  to  and  fro  with  considerable 
violence.  By  a  sudden  and  unexpected  jerk  he  was 
thrown  into  the  water,  which  was  both  rapid  and 
deep,  and  which  soon  took  him  around  a  point, 
out  of  sight  of  his  Indian  companions  who  stood 
on  the  shore.  They  ran  in  great  haste  across  the 
point,  fearing  that  their  good  friend  would  be 
drowned  and  lost  to  them  forever.  But  before 
they  could  reach  the  place,  or  arrive  in  sight,  they 
heard  his  cheerful  whoop,  and  were  reassured.  Ho 
had  drifted  toward  the  shore,  and  caught  the  droop- 
ing branch  of  a  tree  which  hung  over  the  water, 
and  had  drawn  himself  up.  The  young  men  re- 
ceived him,  almost  as  one  from  the  dead,  and 
during  that  day  would  not  suffer  him  to  carry  any 
burdens,  or  labor  in  navigating  their  craft. 

On  his  arrival  at  Lac  Court  Oreille  he  found 
the  chief,  Moo-zoo-jecle,  (Moose  Tail,)  in  very  feeble 
health,  lying  partly  on  the  ground,  and  on  a  dirty 
sack  of  feathers,  in  a  small  wigwam,  full  of  dirt 
and  smoke.  He  received  the  missionary  with  much 
cordiality;  and  as  Copway  and  Taimchy  had  be- 
come known  by  their  labors,  he  was  prepared  to 
give  his  full  consent  to  the  opening  of  a  permanent 
mission  and  school.     He  told  Mr.  Clai*k  to  make 

12 


178 


LIFE    OF    K£V.    JOUN   CLAKK. 


f^n^«fi* 


K  -I 'il 


''   ^ 

i|!( 


^ :    I A 


'  'M 


'I!  :; 
il    , 


•i   !l 


'M  i: 


H. 


i^ 


il|,f;  III!'' 


T  L      'I'll 


li  'I     ! 


Ii:l! 


I     I 


his  own  selection  of  a  place  on  which  to  build. 
This  he  did  about  half  way  between  the  Indian 
village  and  the  house  of  the  trader.  The  village 
was  pleasantly  situated  on  a  peninsula  of  high 
table-land,  having  Lac  Court  Oreille  on  the  west, 
and  a  small  lake  on  the  east.  Tliese  lakes  are 
connected  by  a  channel  about  fifty  rods  wide,  the 
one  being  about  eight  miles  by  two,  and  the  other 
two  miles  in  circuit. 

This  band  of  Chippewas  was  estimated  at  four 
hundred;  and  all  the  ignorance,  superstition,  and 
jealousy  which  are  common  to  pagan  tribes  could 
be  predicated  of  them.  They  li^t^ed  with  eager- 
ness to  the  bug-bear  stories  of  the  JJfcench  Eomanists 
and  those  of  mixed  blood  who  resided  among  them 
for  pm-poses  of  trade.  One  of  those  stories  was, 
that  when  the  missionaries  should  gain  their  confi- 
dence, they  would  carry  off  their  children  and  sell 
them  for  slaves.  And  some,  who  affected  to  be- 
lieve this,  requested  the  chief  to  send  away  the 
native  missionaries.  But  the  chief,  when  convers- 
ing with  Mr.  Clark,  said:  "I  told  them,  these  men 
are  our  people,  our  brothers;  they  come  to  do  us 
good;  to  teach  our  children,  not  to  steal  them; 
and  I  would  give  them  a  place  to  build,  and  not 
send  them  away."  And  he  added:  "My  people 
will  do  your  young  men  no  harm."  "From  such 
a  reception,"  says  Mr.  Clark,  "in  a  land  where. 


i   i  ! 


AFFECTING    SEPARATION. 


179 


& 


Id. 
ian 
age 

rest, 
are 
,  the 
other 

i  Ibvu- 
I,  and 
could 
eager- 
nanists 
b  them 
38  was, 
confi- 
ind  sell 
to  he- 
ay  the 
convers- 
leso  men  ^ 
o  do  ns 
\  them; 
and  not 
people 
om  such 
where. 


until  within  a  few  months,  the  name  of  Jesus  had 
not  been  heard  from  pious  lips,  may  we  not  hope 
for  success?" 

Having  tarried  long  enough  to  make  all  neces- 
sary aiTangements  for  tho  establishment  and  con- 
duct of  a  permanent  mission  and  school,  he  took 
leave  of  his  young  men.  Tlio  parting  was  affecting, 
like  that  of  a  father  leaving  his  children  in  their 
inexperience  and  loneliness,  perhaps  to  meet  no 
more.  They  accompanied  him  a  little  way,  and 
he  kneeled  down  in  the  woods  and  prayed  for 
them  and  the  work  in  which  they  were  engaged. 
And  while  their  heads  were  bowed  in  sorrow,  and 
their  faces  wet  with  tears,  he  shook  hands  with 
them  and  said:  "Brothers,  take  courage,  do  all 
the  good  you  can,  pray  much,  trust  in  God;  tell 
the  poor  Indians  how  the  Saviour  died  for  them. 
1  will  pray  for  you.  Good-by,  and  may  the  Lord 
bless  you  and  your  labora."  They  watched  and 
wept  until  the  course  of  the  river  took  him  out  of 
their  sight,  and  then  retm*ned  to  their  scene  of 
labor  among  their  pagan  brothel's. 

He  descended  the  Chippewa  Kiver  and  its  tribu- 
taries to  the  Mississippi,  about  one  hundred  miles 
below  the  Falls  of  St.  Anthony,  and  two  hundred 
^ibove  Prairie  du  Chien.  In  descending  the  Red 
Cedar  branch  of  the  Chippewa  he  passed  a  deserted 
can.p,  where,  about  ten  days  before,  one  of  their 


180 


LIFE    OF   REV.   JOHN    CLARK. 


'!l! 


Im 


w 


\0 


r 


I'j  i  'fi . 


^r 


women  liad  been  killed  and  scalped  by  a  party  of 
Sioux.  Those  warlike  tribes  were  hostile  to  each 
other,  often  spilling  each  other's  blood  along  their 
territorial  line.  But  both  tribes  were  friendly  to 
the  whites,  and  he  passed  days  and  nights  in  their 
country  without  molestation  or  fear,  though  utterly 
defenseless. 

Descending  the  Mississippi  River  about  sixty 
miles,  he  visited  the  mission  station  of  Messrs. 
Gavin  and  Denton,  from  Switzerland.  Mrs.  Denton 
he  found  to  bo  an  American  lady,  contented  and 
happy,  although  one  hundred  and  twenty  miles 
from  any  white  female  companion.  A  day  and 
a  half  more  brought  him  to  Prairie  du  Chien, 
where  he  passed  a  pleasant  Sabbath  with  Rev. 
Alfred  Branson,  who  had  recently  arrived  to  aid 
in  spreading  the  Gospel  in  the  West. 

From  this  place  he  passed  up  the  Wisconsin  River 
to  Fort  Winnebago,  where  he  spent  a  Sabbath,  and 
was  hospitably  entertained  in  the  family  of  Doctor 
M'Dougal,  assistant-surgeon  of  the  post.  He  preach- 
ed twice  to  the  officers  and  soldiers  in  the  fort.  On 
taking  his  leave,  the  officera  and  their  good  wives 
showed  him  no  little  kindness,  and  bestowed  upon 
him  many  benefits,  for  which  he  was  very  grate- 
fu' 

He  pursued  his  weary  way  to  Lake  Winnebago,  per- 
haps two  hundred  miles,  and  rested  there  a  while  with 


PROGRESS   OF    CIVILIZATION. 


181 


y  of 

each 

their 

ly  to 

their 

tterly 

sixty 
lessrs. 
)enton 
id  and 

miles 
ly  and 

Chien, 
,   Bev. 

to  aid 

a  Biver 
ath,  and 
Doctor 
preach- 
brt.    On 
od  wives 
zed  upon 
ry  grate- 

bago,per- 
vhile  with 


the  mission  family  of  the  American  Board.  From  this 
place  his  route  was  down  tlie  Fox  River  to  Green 
Bay,  a  distance  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  milos  by 
water.  On  completing  this  route  ho  offers  the  fol- 
lowing remarks : 

"  1.  In  all  my  journey  of  eleven  weeks,  a  distance 
of  two  thousand  miles,  my  strength,  courage,  and 
patience  have  been  equal  to  my  day.  To  God  be  all 
the  praise ! 

"  2.  The  morv^  I  travel  in  the  Indian  country,  the 
more  does  my  heart  long  for  their  salvation." 

Such  were  some  of  the  journeys  and  perils  of  this 
successor  of  the  apostles  I  Truly  he  was  "  in  labors 
abundant,"  and  often  in  perils  by  land  and  by  water, 
in  poi'ils  by  robbera  and  wild  beasts,  by  frosts  and 
snows ;  yet  all  was  endured  with  cheerfulness  and 
fortitude  seldom  equaled,  and  never  surpassed. 


m 


The  changes  which  have  occurred  in  all  the  re- 
gions over  which  Mr.  Clark  traveled,  have  materially 
affected  the  Indian  missions.  In  many  instances  they 
have  removed  far  from  thair  fMmier  locations,  and 
the  march  of  civilization  and  improvement  has 
changed  their  hunting-grounds  into  fruitful  fields,  and 
their  villages  have  given  place  to  the  busy  marts  and 
crowded  cities  of  the  white  man.  But  some  of  the 
missions  established  by  Mr.  Clark  are  yet  in  exist- 
ence and  in   prosperity.    A  correspondent  of  the 


182 


LIFE    OF    REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


!    H 


iMf' 


>  II 


Ep'iHcapal  Rccm'dcr^  writing  from  Lake  Superior 
in  1855,  makes  the  following  reference  to  one  of 
them : 

"  Our  next  stopping-place  was  at  the  Methodist 
mission  on  the  south  shore,  and  decidedly  the  most 
successful  one  that  we  had  visited.  A  thousand  acres 
of  land  had  been  purchased  by  the  mission,  including 
three  miles  of  coast,  and  live  acres  are  given  to  each 
Indian  family  to  cultivate.  There  are  about  one  hun- 
dred Indians,  and  forty  children  in  the  schools.  Many 
of  the  Indians  have  good,  substantial  log-houses  and 
well-cultivated  gardens:  the  women  and  children  are 
well-dressed,  having  abandoned  the  Indian  costume, 
and  they  speak  the  English  language  with  pro- 
priety. 

"  My  visit  to  this  mission  was  one  of  sincere  grati- 
fication, and  quickened  my  hopes  in  behalf  of  the 
race.  Here  is  a  little  community  isolated,  the  mis- 
sionaries having  complete  control  of  their  grounds. 
The  government  has  also  made  a  reservation  just 
back  of  their  line  of  coast,  and  given  to  each  Indian 
forty  acres  additional.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Shaw  and  Rev. 
Mr.  Price,  missionaries,  were  absent  at  their  confer- 
ence. I,  however,  visited  the  mission-house  and 
schools,  and  many  of  the  Indian  families ;  and,  from 
what  I  could  gather,  they  appear  to  be  well  instructed 
in  the  leading  truths  of  the  Gospel.  The  wood  on  the 
wharf  for  the  use  of  steamera  had  been  cut  by  the 


,  I  'ill 


ENOOURAOINO    RESULTS. 


188 


Indians,  and  most  of  the  male  Indians  woro  absont 
making  hay.  Here  is  a  community  of  red  men,  sober, 
orderly,  moral,  religious,  and  industrious,  showing 
what  the  grace  of  God  can  do  with  savages^  if  faith 
and  patience  once  inspire  their  teachers." 


I 


184 

LIFE   OF    REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

LEAVING    THE    INDIAN     MISSIONS. 

«~ 

Chlcogo  District— IIl»  Patorniil  Fc(«lln)?«  townnl  tlio  MUHloni  — VIhUs 
tho  Ka»t  with  three  Native  (nirlntliinH  — KlVectH  of  the  VIhU  — Attuch- 
nieiit  of  tho  NutlvcK  to  Mr.  Clark  — Inclclcnt  — Extract— Tlio  Nniiie 
j^lvuii  hlin,  Waub-ko-nowli- Extent  of  hix  Dmtrlet  — Indian  MirtHlonn 
hu'liulcd— Vlrtlt  to  Green  IJuy— HleoiwonSnow— HIh  Labors— Catnp- 
Moctln((8 — (^>tlra(;oan(1  Endurance — On  tlio  troubled  Lnko — Tho  hoU- 
tnry  Sentinel- Extract  of  o  Letter  too  Bachelor  rrcftchor— To  a  needy 
one  on  Teacldug  School. 

On  tho  lOtli  of  November,  1830,  Mr.  Clark  wrote  to 
tlie  Board  that  ho  had  Iieard  of  the  death  of  the  old 
chief  at  Lac  Court  Oreille  ;  and  he  expresses  some 
anxiety  lest  this  ovent  should  operate  unfavorably 
upon  tho  mission.  Ho  hau  also  learned  that  the 
young  men  who  were  laboring  there  were  in  health. 

In  the  division  of  labor  in  the  Illinois  Conference 
that  mission  was  included  in  the  Galena  District, 
under  the  care  of  Rev.  A.  Brunson,  and  I  am  not 
able  to  trace  its  history ;  and  it  is  not  necessary  in 
this  connection,  as  it  is  not  any  further  related  to 
the  life  or  labors  of  Mr.  Clark. 

The  intelligence  from  Sault  Ste.  Marie  and  Ke-wa- 
we-non  was  cheering.  At  the  former  place  the  head 
chief  was  increasingly  friendly  to  the  mission.  Hav- 
ing witnessed  the  holy  lives  of  those  engaged  in  the 


LKAVES   THK  MISSIONS. 


185 


•  VUltft        • 
ittui'li- 
Nanwt 

.("ftinp- 
'ho  HoU- 
n  noeily 

'ote  to 
he  old 
\  some 
orably 
lat  the 
ealth. 
ference 
)i9trict, 
am  not 
jsary  in 
ated  to 

Ke-wa- 
;lie  head 
I.  Hav- 
)d  in  the 


mission,  and  the  decided  change  wroujifht  upon  liis 
own  people  who  had  become  GhriHtians,  his  hostility 
abated,  and  Iiis  convictions  of  the  Divinity  of  our 
religion  increased.  Some  who  had  been  careless?) 
were  beginning  in  good  earnest  to  pray. 

In  the  organization  of  the  Michigan  Conference  it 
was  made  to  include  the  whole  of  that  state,  and  of 
course  Sault  Ste.  Mario  and  Ke-wa-we-nou  wcro  em- 
braced, and  Mr.  Clark's  charge  and  connection  with 
those  places  ceased.  Mr.  Chandler  was  put  in  {Huirgo 
of  botli  missions.  On  taking  leave  of  the  missions  in 
the  region  of  Lake  Superior,  ho  felt  almost  a  paternal 
solicitude  for  their  continued  prosperity.  They  had 
shared  in  his  labora  and  pious  regard  for  four  suc- 
cessive years.  He  had  originated,  supplied,  and 
counseled  them ;  had  visited,  worshiped  with  them ; 
baptized  the  converts,  and  bowed  with  them  at  tlio 
table  of  the  Lord,  and  it  is  not  marvelous  that  he 
should  be  deeply  aifected  when  called  to  part  with 
them.  And  they  wore  as  strongly  attached  to  him, 
and  when,  in  the  following  spring,  he  visited  the  East, 
three  Chippewas  of  piety  and  talent  accomjianied 
him.  Tlieir  names  were  Henry  P.  Chase,  John  Cah- 
beach,  and  John  Taunchy.  They  held  meetings  and 
delivered  addresses  at  Geneva,  Seneca  Falls,  Auburn, 
Amsterdani,  and  Northampton.  At  the  latter  place 
they  rested  eve  al  days  with  Mre.  Clark's  relatives. 
After  this  they  visited  Troy,  Albany,  and  many  other 


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23  WEST  MAIli  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  K^VO 

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186 


LIFE    OP    REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


I'  :i:!l  I 


K : : 


i 


places  in  the  vicinity,  and  then  went  to  New- York  to 
attend  the  Anniversary  of  the  Missionary  Society. 
Leaving  New- York,  they  went  to  Philadelphia,  Balti- 
more, and  other  places,  and  returned  to  their  peculiar 
work  in  May. 

In  all  places  which  they  visited  the  effect  was 
happy,  and  the  zeal  of  the  Church  was  materially 
increased  in  behalf  of  missions.  The  people  were 
permitted  to  see  and  hear  for  themselves  what  the 
Lord  had  done  for  the  poor  Indians;  and  this 
demonstration  could  not  fail  to  work  out  its  practical 
results.  The  affection  of  those  Indians  for  Mr.  Clark 
was  peculiarly  strong,  and  exhibited  itself  in  vaiious 
and  expressive  forms.    An  instance  will  illustrate. 

During  the  excursion  above  named,  it  was  found 
convenient,  on  one  occasion,  for  him  to  pass  a  night 
at  some  distance  from  their  place  of  entertainment. 
They  rose  early  in  the  morning,  and  hastened  away, 
perhaps  a  mile,  to  his  lodgings,  to  see  if  he  was  alive 
and  well.  Having  ascertained  this,  and  sainted  him 
warmly,  they  were  content  to  return  to  their  break- 
fast at  their  own  lodgings.  One  of  them,  (Henry  P. 
Chase,)  in  a  letter  to  the  compiler,  says :  "  If  I  had 

• 

the  means,  I  should  almost  be  induced  to  take  a  trip 
to  Troy  to  see  you,  on  the  subject  of  the  biography, 
as  I  might  give  you  some  information  that  I  do  not 
now  think  of.  I  am  so  warmly  attached  to  Brother 
Clark  for  his  kind  treatment  of  me,  and  I  owe  him  so 


I; 


t    ! 


.....m 


APPOINTED   TO    CHIOAOO    DISTRICT.     187 


York  to 
Society, 
ia,  Balti- 
pecuUar 

Bfect  was 
aaterially 
)ple  were 
yfhdX  the 
and  this 
3  practical 
Hr.  Clark 
in  various 
lustrate. 
■was  found 
ass  a  night 
ertainment. 
aned  away, 
le  was  alive 
sainted  him 
their  break- 
i,  (Henry  P. 
« If  I  had 

0  take  a  trip 
biography, 

;hat  I  do  not 
d  to  Brother 

1  owe  him  so 


much  for  giving  me  a  knowledge  of  the  first  prin- 
ciples of  Christianity,  that  I  should  like  to  throw 
light  upon  different  points  which  you  may  wish  to 
know." 

Thid  man  had  been  Mr.  Clark's  interpreter  for  two 
years,  and  in  company  with  him  had  visited  several 
missions.  He  had  seen  him  in  various  positions,  and 
proved  his  worth  under  various  circumstances.  The 
Indians,  by  common  consent,  conferred  on  him  the 
honorable  name  of  Waub-ke-newh,  (The  White 
Eagle.) 

At  the  session  of  the  Illinois  Conference,  in 
October,  1836,  Mr.  Clark  was  appointed  presiding 
elder  of  Chicago  District,  and  the  missions  within 
its  bounds,  among  which  were  Green  Bay  and 
Oneida  West.  His  district  extended  south  of  Chi- 
cago one  hundred  miles,  and  north  two  hundred  and 
fifty  miles,  while  its  breadth  was  from  forty  to  eighty 
miles.  In  February,  1837,  having  visited  those  mis- 
sions, he  wrote  as  follows : 

"  Two  year«  ago  I  first  visited  Chicago,  and  passed 
xound  to  Green  Bay,  via  Milwaukie  and  Lake  Win- 
nebago, lodging  several  nights  in  the  open  air.  On 
my  recent  tour  I  found  accommodations  far  other- 
wise. Two  years  ago,  not  an  American  family 
resided  between  Chicago  and  Milwaukie;  now  the 
country  is  thickly  settled  by  farmers,  mechanics, 
merchants,   &c.,   while    the  moral    aspect    of   the 


jm 


188 


LIFE    OP    REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


I' 

■  i 


'I  I 


i   • 


i.i   ■ 


country  is  really  encouraging.  From  Milwaukie  to 
Green  Bay,  by  the  lake  road,  I  found  a  place  of  rest, 
with  food  for  man  and  beast,  three  nights." 

He  tarried  at  the  Bay  ten  days,  and  was  much 
pleased  with  the  condition  and  prospects  of  the 
mission.  Returning,  he  took  the  route  through  the 
settlement  of  the  Stockbridge  and  Brothertown 
Indians,  where  he  tarried  one  night  with  the  Presby- 
terian brethren ;  and  then  left;  for  Milwaukie,  which 
he  reached  on  the  third  day,  having  slept  two  nights 
on  the  snow,  with  his  buffalo  robe  wrapped  around 
him. 

Of  his  labors  on  that  district  there  is  no  special 
account,  and  we  can  only  judge  of  his  competence 
from  our  previous  acquaintance  with  him.  In  gen- 
eral it  is  reported  that  he  was  regarded  as  a  model 
presiding  elder,  both  in  the  pulpit  and  in  the 
moderator's  chair.  At  camp-meetings,  in  that  new 
country,  he  Vas  considered  one  of  the  best  presiding 
and  managing  officere  they  had  ever  seen.  His 
district  required  long  journeys,  both  fatiguing  and 
lonely ;  and  often  those  journeys  demanded  a  large 
share  of  courage  as  well  as  physical  endurance.  To 
camp  on  the  snow  during  a  cold  winter's  night,  and 
alone  in  the  depths  of  the  forest,  is  not  to  be  done 
with  composure  by  one  destitute  of  courage ;  nor  to 
be  endured  by  one  who  is  not  blessed  with  a  strong 
constitution.    And  his  voyages  upon  the  lakes  and 


.M^Mt:- 


HIS  COURAGE  AND  SELF-POSSESSION.     189 


ftukie  to 
)  of  rest, 

as  mticli 
B  of  the 
ough  the 
)thertown 
,e  Presby- 
cie,  which 
;wo  nights 
ed  around 

no  special 
sompetence 
I.    In  gen- 
as  a  model 
,nd   in   the 
n  that  new 
jt  presiding 
seen.    His 
iguing  and 
ded  a  large 
urance.    To 
s  night,  and 
t  to  be  done 
rage ;  nor  to 
vith  a  strong 
le  lakes  and 


rivera,  in  the  frail  bark  canoe,  were  otlfcen  calculated 
to  try  the  grace  of  courage. 

Rev.  Milton  Bourne,  who  was  for  some  time  with  Mr. 
Clark  in  the  mission  work,  speaks  of  being  with  him  in 
the  frail  boat  when  the  storm  was  raging  in  its  fury,  and 
when  few  of  the  sons  of  the  wave  would  retain  their 
courage  and  self-command ;  and  yet  he  was  always  as 
calm  as  if  he  was  sitting  in  safety  on  the  shore.  Ho 
would  give  directions  with  all  coolness  and  delibera- 
tion, while  for  hours  in  succession  he  would  ply  the 
oars  with  all  the  energy  of  an  experienced  voyageur. 
iTideed,  he  was  at  comparative  ease,  whether  in 
storm  or  calm ;  in  the  splendid  city  church,  or  the 
kitchen  of  the  pioneer,  or  the  wigwam  of  the  Indian, 
as  the  place  of  worship.  In  the  society  of  the  rich 
and  poor,  the  refined  or  rude,  he  could  make  himself 
equally  at  home. 

He  held  a  camp-meeting  near  Geneva  in  183T, 
which  is  supposed  to  have  been  the  first  ever  held  in 
Northern  Illinois.  He  is  represented  as  presiding 
with  great  natural  dignity  and  propriety,  and  con- 
tributing largely  to  the  order  and  success  of  the 
meeting  by  his  able  preaching,  warm  exhortations, 
and  wise  arrangements.  One  night,  when  there  were 
some  indications  of  rowdyism,  he  induced  all  who 
belonged  to  the  meeting  to  retire  to  rest ;  each  doubt- 
less supposing  that  some  others  had  been  selected  to 
keep  guard ;  and  then,  arraying  himself  for  the  pur- 


■^  |lM 


II 


190 


LIFE    OF    B£V.   JOHN    CLARK. 


«i;i  ^ 


'     11  l*ii 


!  ?  .t ' 


pose,  he  acted  as  sentinel  during  the  whole  night.  If 
there  was  work  to  be  done,  or  difficulty  to  be  met,  he 
was  at  hand,  and  ready  for  either. 

A  certain  quarterly  meeting  was  held  in  a  log- 
house,  where  he  preached  with  much  power  to  the 
congregation,  held  a  prayer-meeting  in  the  even- 
ing, and  then  straw  beds  were  laid  upon  the  floor, 
from  side  to  side  of  the  room,  and  the  guests  laid 
them  down  to  sleep,  just  as  contented  and  happy  as 
if  reposing  on  beds  of  down,  surrounded  with  damask 
curtains,  and  the  presiding  elder  not  the  least  con- 
tented and  happy  of  the  company.  He  held  camp- 
meetings  at  Geneva,  Popple  Creek,  Indian  Creek, 
and  other  places  in  Northern  Illinois ;  all  of  which 
proved  profitable.  At  each  of  these  meetings  he 
proved  himself  eminently  qualified,  both  for  govern- 
ment and  to  inspire  energy  and  earnestness  into  the 
hearts  of  the  preachers  and  people. 

After  serving  three  years  in  this  laborious  field, 
with  great  acceptability  and  success,  he  was  ap- 
pointed to  Mount  Morris  District,  where  he  remained 
but  one  year.  Here  he  was  the  same  faithful  and 
laborious  minister  as  before ;  and  although  no  par- 
ticulars have  come  to  hand,  yet  we  have  the  best 
assurance  of  his  usefulness,  in  the  fact  that,  for  several 
years  before  his  last  removal  to  Illinois,  the  preachers 
in  the  Bock  Biver  Conference  were  importunate  in 
their  request  for  his  transfer  thither. 


ADVICE    TO    A    BACHELOR    PREACHER.    191 


It.     If 

aet,  he 

a  log- 
to  the 
e  even- 
le  floor, 
BBts  laid 
lappy  as 
I  damask 
east  cou- 
ld camp- 
.n  Creek, 
of  which 
etings  he 
)r  govem- 
is  into  the 

•ious  field, 
)  was  ap- 
)  remained 
ithful  and 
fh  no  par- 
e  the  hest 
for  several 
preachers 
ortnnate  in 


While  in  charge  of  one  of  the  above-named  districts, 
one  of  his  bachelor  preachers,  having  a  mind  for 
matrimony,  doubtless  fully  convinced  that  "  it  is  not 
good  for  man  to  be  alone,"  wrote  him  on  the  subject. 
He  received  the  following  in  reply : 

''  As  to  the  subject  of  matrimony,  I  will  state  a  few 
facts.  First:  I  think  when  young  men  remain 
single,  they  have  better  opportunities  for  study  and 
visiting  the  people,  than  those  have  who  are  mar- 
ried. Secondly:  We  have  but  few  piiArsonages  in  this 
country,  therefore  it  is  more  embarrassing  to  I'ave  a 
family  than  otherwise ;  also  more  expensive  in  mov- 
ing, &c.  Third:  At  present  our  support  is  very 
limited,  and  unless  a  man  have  some  little  private 
means,  he  will  be  liable  to  be  embarrassed  and 
pinched  on  this  score. 

"Now,  brother,  with  these  facts  before  you,  do 
just  what  you  honestly  believe  will  be  most  for  the 
glory  of  God  and  the  promotion  of  the  greatest  good, 
including  your  own  happiness,  and  you  have  my 
consent  .and  approval.  But,  a  friendly  whisper: 
Don't  let  Ctipid  put  your  eyes  out  with  one  of  his 
darts,  for  then  passion,  and  not  reason,  will  guide  I" 

On  another  occasion,  a  preacher,  perhaps  in  want 
and  comparative  destitution,  desired  his  advice  in 
relation  to  teaching  school  for  a  season,  in  con- 
nection witli  his  work  as  a  minister,  and  Mr.  Clark 
gave  him  the  following  reply : 


^-,1 


wim 


I jjujjg 


if 


'1.       ,'' 


192 


LIFE    UF   BEV.  JOHN   OLABK. 


**Ab  a  genoral  thing,  I  am  of  tho  opinion  that 
if  a  man  devotes  himself  to  his  proper  work  as  a 
minister,  he  will  find  little  time  to  spare  for  any 
secular  pursuit  But,  in  the  present  case,  I  hardly 
know  what  to  write.  How  will  the  people  of  your 
ch'irge  view  the  matter?  If  you  teach  school,  can 
you  visit  and  preach  as  may  be  necessary  for  tho 
raising  up  of  a  ^  plant  of  righteousness'  that  will 
take  deep  root  and  flourish?  And,  finally,  can  you 
prosecute  your  studies  as  may  be  necessary  if  you 
teach?  Satisfy  your  own  mind  on  these  subjects, 
and  then,  if  you  think  it  best  to  teach  one  quar- 
ter, do  so.*' 

Here  are  the  right  views,  kindly  and  plainly 
expressed;  and  yet,  as  the  case  was  rather  press- 
ing, he  virtually  acquiesces  in  the  proposed  plan 
for  relieving  the  present  distress.  But  our  people 
should  never  bring  their  ministers  into  such  straits, 
nor  lay  upon  them  such  burdens. 


It 


it! 

■  ,1 

.; 
{■ 

h 

\ 

1 

1 

i' 

l" 

!|i      ■ 

'1    '  1 

!rj    III    : 

'h    '1' 

Lf  II  i 

HB   V0LUNTEKK8   FOB   TEXAS. 


198 


L  that 
:  as  a 
r  any 
hardly 
>f  your 
ol,  can 
for  tho 
lat  will 
can  yon 
J  if  yon 
subjects, 
ne  qnar- 

1  plainly 
ler  press- 
)Bed  plaa 
or  people 
.ch  straits, 


CHAPTER  XVn. 

THE   OVERLAND    TRIP. 

Volanteen  for  TezM— Motivei— Oatflt  for  the  Journey— Rev.  J.  W. 
Whipple — Diary— Princeton — Northampton — Peoria— Ellen  Grove— 
Irish. Orove— Springfield— Carlinville—Paddook*s  Grove- St.  Louia 
— Famiington— Frederiotown— A  Two-daya'  Meeting — Greenville 
—Camp  Cyprus— Camp  Sycamore — A  little  Minhap- Strawberry 
Camp— Lanoh  Creek— Camp  Neceaaity— Bates ville—Morala  of  the 
Place— Arkansas  Conference- Beligioas  Services- Temperance — 
Rally  Doe — Bayon  de  Salle — A  Tempest— A  Break-down— John 
Wilson — A  Cold  Meeting — Pine  Knot  Camp — Cypnia  Kneea — 
Camp  Felicity — Rain — Camp  Holly — Camp  Solitude — A  Chapel— 
A  Singular  Weapon—**  Kill  a  Man  Twice*'— Red  River— Long  Mosa 
Camp— Bay  Tree  Camp— Texas  Line- Red  Land  Camp— San  Au- 
gustine— Twenty  Nighta  in  Camp. 

Most  men  would  have  concluded  that  their  share 
of  hardships  and  privation  had  been  endured,  after 
nine  yea/ra  of  toil  on  Indian  missions,  and  extens- 
ive districts  in  the  new  country;  but  Mr.  Clark 
appeared  to  enjoy  this  "roughing  it  in  the  bush," 
and  his  heart  was  drawn  toward  the  Bepublic  of 
Texas.  It  was  not  the  love  of  adventure,  nor  that 
he  might  acquire  fame,  that  he  volunteered  for 
that  new  and  distant  field.  But  he  saw  a  terri- 
tory, large  and  productive,  which,  by  its  spiritual 
condition,  called  for  laborers,  with  an  importunity 
which  could  not  be  easily  resisted.  Texas  had  de- 
ls 


«  If 


IM 


LIF£   OF   UEV.  JOUN    CLARK. 


,  itti ' 


'i  ■'li 


I'  • 


i  II 


dared  its  independence  of  MexicO)  and  was  resist* 
iiig  witli  all  its  might  the  forces  which  the  Mexi- 
cans were  employing  against  it.  By  its  declaration 
of  independence)  and  its  form  of  government,  Texas 
had  recognized  religions  equality,  and  the  yoke 
of  Rome  was  broken,  that  worst  of  all  despotisms, 
which  had  prevailed  in,  and  which  still  debases, 
Mexico. 

A  considerable  nnmber  of  bravo  and  self-sacrific- 
ing miuistors  had  already  entered  that  field,  and 
wore  toiling  to  make  it  ^'Immanuel's  land;"  and 
not  the  least  among  these  were  Methodist  preachers. 
Fowler,  ^  .nder,  Eichardson,  and  many  others 
wore  early  ou  the  ground,  and  it  was  by  their  side 
that  Mr.  Clark  desired  to  stand,  to  do  battle  for 
the  great  Protestant  cause,  in  the  peculiar  form  of 
Methodism.  Had  ho  desired  good  appointments,  in 
those  portions  of  the  work  where  privations  were 
among  past  experiences,  he  could  have  had  them, 
for  at  that  date  few  were  before,  or  above  him,  in 
popularity  or  efficiency.  But  he  chose  rather  to 
have  a  place  in  the  front  ranks  of  the  militant  host, 
where  he  must  "  endure  hardness  as  a  good  soldier 
of  Jesus  Christ."  "With  this  spirit  he  volunteered 
for  Texas. 

He  left  his  late  residence  at  Dixon,  Lee  County, 
Dlinois,  on  Monday,  October  4,  1841,  and  com- 
menced his  long  and  tiresome  journey  to  the  new 


UItt   OUTyiT. 


lOfiT 


I  resistr 
)  Moxi- 
ilariition 
tt,  Texas 

le   yo^o 
spotismB, 

debases, 

ilfHsacrific- 

field,  and 

ind-,"  oxi^ 
preacbers. 

any  others 

J  their  side 

>  battle  for 

iar  form  of 

^ntments,  iu 

ations  were 

had  them, 
jove  him,  in 
[se  rather  to 
lUitant  host, 
good  soldier 

volimteered 

Lee  County, 
ti  and  com- 
.y  to  the  new 


llopuhlic.  lie  had  a  f|^d  pair  of  hornos,  and  light 
pleasure- wagon  hung  on  elliptic  Hju'ings,  with  u 
standing  cover.  Tlio  carriage  was  easy  and  con- 
venient, and  carried  about  five  hundred  pounds 
weight  of  baggage,  &c.,  for  the  comfort  and  use  of 
the  family.  Among  these  articles  was  a  marquee, 
or  linen  tent,  glass  lamp,  ax,  hammer,  tea-kettle, 
frying-pan,  coft'ee-mill,  patent  coflfee-boilor,  water 
bucket,  provision-basket,  plates,  knives  and  forks, 
spoons,  &c.  Having  a  largo  experience  in  forest  life, 
ho  was  prepared  to  judge  of  the  wants  of  travelers  in 
such  circumstances,  and  provide  accordingly.  Ho 
had  also  a  good  single  horse  and  buggy,  designed 
for  the  use  of  Bishop  Mon*is,  whom  they  expected 
to  meet  at  St.  Louis,  and  who  was  expected  to 
accompany  them  from  that  place  to  Texas.  Bev. 
Josiah  W.  Whipple,  who  had  volunteered  for  the 
same  iield,  drove  the  single  horse,  while  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Clark,  and  little  John  E.,  rode  in  the  covered 
carriage. 

Some  extracts  from  his  diary  may  be  more  in- 
teresting than  any  other  account  which  might  be 
given  of  the  journey. 

"Started  at  10  A.  M.,  and  by  evening  had 
traveled  thirty-five  miles  to  Princeton,  and  tarried 
with  Rev.  J.  M.  Snow,  the  preacher  of  the  circuit, 
Mrs.  Clark  much  fatigued. 

"  Tuesday f  October  &th, — -Made  thirty-seven  miles, 


^i  I 


m 


im 


HhH    OV    HJ6V.    JUHN    CLARJC. 


Sfu 


P    ' 


i  If/,       I 


!'!! 


I 


'■ 


and  put  up  at  a  little  burgh,  culled  Northampton, 
at  a  ruin-tavorn.  The  ride  to-day  hon  been  over 
prairie  chiefly,  fifteen  mileu  without  a  houHO ;  water- 
courses  frequent,  prairie  rolling,  and  of  pretty  gooil 
quality. 

Wednesday^  6th. — Came  to  Peoria,  eighteen  miles, 
and  dined  with  Brother  Markley,  a  plain,  agree- 
able man  from  Ilarrisburgh,  Penn.  Rested  about 
three  hours,  and,  uniting  in  prayer  to  God,  took  up 
our  line  of  march,  and  by  sunset  came  to  Ellen 
Grove,  and  called  on  William  Davies,  to  whom 
I  had  been  directed;  but  the  good  man  and  his 
wife  being  absent,  wo  pushed  on  to  Liberty,  six- 
teen miles  from  Peoria,  and  passed  the  night  with 
a  Brother  Fuller.  Peoria,  since  I  saw  it  last,  five 
years  ago,  has  greatly  improved  in  its  appearance 
and  business.  It  has  a  pleasant  location  on  the 
west  side  of  the  Illinois  River. 

"  Thtiradayj  7th. — Left  early,  and  moved  leisurely 
to  Broderic  to  dinner.  Rested  three  hours,  and  at 
night  came  to  Irish  Grove,  and  put  up  with  Brother 
J.  B.  Smith.  Our  host,  at  noon,  gave  Mrs.  Clark  an 
interesting  sketch  of  Texas  in  1840,  written  by 
Brother  O.  Fisher,  who  had  spent  some  time  there. 
Traveled  to-day  thirty-five  miles.  All  well.  The 
Lord  be  praised  for  all  his  mercies. 

^^JF/idm/j  Sth. — Left  Smith's  at  8  A.  M.,  and  at  noon 
came  to  Springfield.    Called  on  Edmund  Roberts; 


•K.. 


ARRIVAL   AT  BT.    LOUIS. 


197 


en  over 
)•  -wfttor- 

Ben  milctt, 

in,  agi^oo- 

Bted  about 

»d,  took  up 

B  to  Blen 
to  vr^om 

an  and  bis 

iberty,  biJ^" 

J  nigbt  with 
it  last,  five 
appearance 

ktion  on  the 

.ved  leisurely 
[hours,  and  at 

with  Brother 
l^rs.  Clark  an 
-written    by 

le  time  there. 

^U  vrell.     The 

[.,  and  at  noon 
Iniund  Roberts ; 


■pent  the  afternoon  and  night  very  ])loaAAntly.  Culuul 
at  the  parsonage,  and  found  BiHtor  FiMlior  much  coin- 
poied  in  view  of  her  long  journey  to  Texas.  I  judge 
that  Methodism  has  seen  greater  progperity  hero  thun 
it  now  enjoys.    *  O  Lord,  revive  thy  work  1' 

'' Saturday y  9M.— Left  at  8  A.  M.  Called  at  M'KI- 
vain*8  to  dine,  and  reached  Carlinvillc  after  dark,  <]!«- 
tance  forty  miles.  Put  up  at  Brother  8.  M.  Otweirn. 
lie  was  absent,  but  his  family  received  us  kindly. 

"Pn  Sabbath  Brotlier  Whipple  and  myself  l)oth 
preached.  The  congregations  small,  but,  on  the  whole, 
we  had  a  comfortable  day. 

''^ Monday y  llth. — ^Tlie  rain  on  the  previous  night  had 
caused  deep  mud,  which  rendered  traveling  very  fa- 
tiguing for  the  horses.  Dined  at  G.  W.  Fox's  stage- 
house  ;  and  at  dark  brought  up  at  Gershom  Flagg's, 
Paddock's  Grove.  Distance  from  Carlinville  twenty- 
eight  miles. 

^^  Tuesday,  \2th. — Dined  atBev.S.  H.  Thompson's, 
Edwardsville.  He  was  in  very  poor  health,  but  with 
much  of  the  missionary  spirit.  We  passed  with  him 
a  pleasant  hour,  united  in  prayer,  and  then  made 
for  William  Hadley's,  on  the  American  Bottoms. 
Distance  ^his  day  sixteen  miles. 

"  Wednesday,  IMh. — Passed  a  pleasant  night  with 
Brother  Hadley,  and  set  off  in  the  morning  for  St. 
Louis,  which  we  reached  at  noon.  Here  we  met 
with  warm  reception  and  good  quarters,  where  we 


I 


LIFE    OP   REV.    JOHN   CLARK. 


'-^1^ 


11} .      i      ':i'ili    'i 


tarried  until  Tuesday,  October  19,  with  Brother 
Burd. 

"  Titesday,  October  Idth. — ^We  set  out  with  Bishop 
Morris  in  company.  He  drives  the  single  horse  be- 
fore the  buggy,  while  the  rest  of  us  occupy  the  car- 
riage, except  John  E.,  who  is  sometimes  with  us, 
and  sometimes  with  the  bishop.  We  traveled  twenty- 
five  miles,  and  were  kindly  entertained  at  night  by 
Bj'other  Hunt,  who  formerly  resided  in  Ohio. 

"  Wednesday,  20th. — ^Beached  Dr.  Skeel's  at  noon ; 
rested,  dined,  and  the  bishop  baptized  a  child.  We 
then  pressed  on  to  Boston's,  which  we  reached  after 
dark;  road  rough  and  hilly;  distance  thirty-one 
miles.  Here  we  found  a  pleasant  family  and  good 
accommodations.  Thus  far  the  com  try  is  broken, 
and  the  timber  shrubby ;  but  the  soil  and  timber  be- 
gin to  improve. 

"  Thursday,  21st. — ^We  hastened  on  to  Farmington, 
thirteen  miles.  This  is  the  seat  of  justice  for  St. 
Francis  County.  We  called  on  Brother  Murphy,  who 
has  resided  here  for  thirty  years.  While  tarrying 
here  Bishop  Morris  ordained  Brother  Job  Lawrence, 
who  had  been  elected  to  deacon's  orders  some  time 
previously.  The  evening  proved  stormy,  and  a  small 
congi'egation  assembled,  to  whom  the  bishop  preach- 
ed on  2  Corinthians  viii,  9. 

^^Friday,.  22d. — Came  eighteen  miles  to  Frederic- 
town,  the  seat  of  justice  for  Madison  County.   A  two- 


FBEDERIOTOWN. 


199 


li   Brother 

vith  Bishop 
le  horse  be- 
Lipy  the  car- 
ies with  "08, 
relodtwenty- 
at  night  by 

Ohio. 

eel's  at  noon; 

a  child.    Wo 
reached  after 
ace   thirty-one 
tally  and  good 
*ry  is  broken, 
and  timber  be- 
to  Farmington, 
justice  for  St. 
[erKnrphy,>^^<^ 
^VSThile  tarrying 
Job  Lawrence, 
frders  some  time 
jrmy,  and  a  small 
Le  bishop  preach- 

lues  to  T'rederic- 
Connty.   At^^ 


days'  meeting  had  been  appointed  in  view  of  our 
coming.  Mrs.  Clark,  myself,  and  son,  were  entertain- 
ed at  Brother  Overfield's.  He  was  absent  with  his 
daughter,  but  his  good  wife  rendered  our  stay  until 
Monday  very  agreeable. 

^^  Saturday,  A.  M.,  Bishop  Morris  preached  on  the 
*  Exceeding  great  and  precious  promises.'  The  dis- 
course was  instructing  and  profitable.  At  night  I 
preached  on  Hebrews  iv,  16. 

"On  Sunday  the  bishop.  Brother  Whipple,  and 
myself,  addressed  the  people.  This  place  is  about 
ninety  miles  from  St.  Louis. 

^^ Monda/y,  25^A. — ^We  took  our  dinner  at  Twelve 
Mile  Creek,  and  at  night  put  up  with  Mr.  Short,  a 
Baptist,  where  we  were  well  entertained,  for  reason- 
able prices.  On  Tuesday  set  out  in  good  season, 
took  a  lunch  by  the  way,  and  put  up  at  night  at  Z. 
Smith's,  in  Greenville,  Wayne  County.  Mr.  Smith's 
family,  both  children  and  servants,  know  their  places 
and  keep  them.  He  would  receive  no  compensation 
for  our  entertainment.  May  our  Master  extend  sal- 
vation to  him  and  his  family  I    Amen. 

^^Wednesda/y^  27th. — Crossed  St.  Francis  River; 
came  to  Big  Black  River,  and  took  a  lunch  out  of 
our  own  store,  and  passed  on  to  Sister  Scott's,  a 
widow  lady,  whose  family  kindly  entertained  us  in 
her  absence. 

^^'Thv/rsday,  2Sth. — ^Rainy  in  the  morning ;  biit  at 


'■■T^: 


^%. 


r  M ' 


200 


LIFE    OP   REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


'    I  i 


10  A.  M.  we  started,  and  after  traveling  twenty 
miles,  put  up  near  Logan's  Creek,  providing  onr  own 
food  and  lodging.  Our  tent  was  pitched  under  the 
ppreading  branches  of  a  venerable  cypress,  the  first  I 
had  ever  seen.  We  measured  the  tree,  and  found  it 
twenty-four  feet  in  circumference.  The  tent  was  di- 
vided into  two  apartments,  one  of  which  was  occu- 
pied by  the  bishop  and  Brother  Whipple,  and  the 
other  by  myself  and  family.  We  passed  a  comforta- 
ble night,  and  our  horses  were  well  fed  on  provender 
which  we  purchased  before  leaving  the  settlement. 
We  named  our  resting-place  Camp  Cypress. 

'•''Frida/y^  ^9th. — Crossed  the  line  of  Missouri  into 
Arkansas,  at  Current  River,  by  ferry.  Prshed  on  till 
night,  and  encamped  near  the  road  on  the  bank  of 
the  Fourche  de  Mass,  (pronounced  Foosh  de  Maw,) 
having  made  twenty-two  miles. 

"  On  Saturday  the  rain  fell,  and  we  remained  in 
camp.  In  the  afternoon  Brother  Whipple  set  off  to 
try  to  raise  a  congregation  for  the  Sabbath,  while  we 
were  busy  in  preparing  fuel,  &c.,  for  that  day.  When 
Brother  Whipple  returned  he  was  accompanied  by 
Brother  William  Spikes,  who  urged  us  to  leave  our 
wet  camp,  and  the  annoyance  of  pigs,  and  go  home 
with  him,  a  distance  of  three  miles.  So  we  left  Camp 
Fourche  de  Maas,  (Foosh  de  Maw,)  and  found  comfort- 
able lodgings.  The  Sabbath  was  rainy,  and  no  con- 
gregation could  be  secured ;  but  at  11  o'clock  the 


OAMP   SYCAMORE. 


201 


twenty 
,ur  own 
ider  the 
lO  first  I 
found  it 
;  was  di- 
as  occu- 
and  the 
eomforta- 
)rovender 
Bttlement. 

3. 

flouri  into 
hed  on  till 
e  bank  of 
de  Maw,) 

Bmained  in 
e  set  off  to 
b,  while  we 
lay.  When 
npanied  by 
to  leave  our 
nd  go  home 
;^e  left  Camp 
und  comfort- 
^  and  no  con- 
o'clock  the 


corpse  of  a  child  was  brought  to  be  buried  on  Brother 
Spikes's  premises,  and  the  bishop  read  tlje  Scriptures, 
sung  and  prayed  with  the  few  persons  present,  and 
the  parents  saw  their  child  inteiTed  with  Christian 
rites. 

^^  Monday,  Ifovemher  Ist. — Still  rainy,  and  we  tarry 
to  dry  our  tent,  prepare  stores,  and  be  ready  to  set 
out  next  day.  Brother  Whipple  procured  flour, 
which  Mi's.  Clark  baked.  Brother  Whipple  also  took 
his  gun  and  went  in  search  of  game,  and  returned 
with  squirrels  and  a  fine  rabbit,  which  were  boiled, 
to  take  with  us  on  our  way. 

"  Tuesdojy,  2d. — ^Reached  the  main  or  stage  road, 
and  came  by  a  by-way  to  a  small  stream,  called 
Eleven  Fines,  as  so  many  of  those  trees  stand  near 
the  spring  where  it  rises.  We  forded  the  stream, 
and  arrived  at  Jackson  about  four  P.  M. ;  passed  on 
one  mile  and  a  half  to  Spring  Biver,  and  encamped 
for  the  night.  We  kindled  our  fire  by  the  side  of  a 
large  sycamore,  cleared  away  the  brush,  and  a  few 
thorns  from  the  honey  locust,  and  pitched  our  tent. 
Brother  Whipple  went  with  the  buggy  to  procure 
corn,  fodder,  and  milk,  and  soon  returned  with 
a  good  supply ;  and  we  passed  the  night  pleasantly 
at  Camp  Sycamore. 

"  Wednesday,  dd. — ^This  morning  we  sent  two  of  our 
horses  to  a  blacksmith's  to  be  shod;  and,  in  the  mean- 
time, the  bishop  took  the  a/uger,  (the  short  gun,)  and 


ft' 


am 


IH"     ii;  '■ 


1^1 


4 


fii  1 1 


I  HP' 


i  i!il 


i 


202 


LIFE    OP    REV.   JOHN    OLARK. 


went  in  search  of  game.  After  a  while  he  returned 
with  two  doves,  whicli  he  had  mistaken  for  pigeons. 
Left  our  camp  at  ten  A.  M.,  and  at  noon  discovered 
the  loss  of  our  tea-kettle.  We  took  the  Colonel  from 
the  pole,  and  Brother  Whipple  mounted  him,  and 
rode  back  two  and  a  half  miles,  recovered  the  kettle, 
and  we  soon  moved  on.  Having  reached  Strawberry 
River,  twenty  miles,  we  encamped  for  the  night,  and 
called  our  resting-place  Strawberry  Camp. 

Thursday^  ^th. — ^Took  the  new  road  to  Batesville, 
and  found  some  brush,  some  logs,  some  stones,  a  few 
hills;  and  came  to  a  stream  of  pure  water,  where  we 
kindled  a  fire  by  the  aid  of  steel,  flint,  and  spunk,  in 
tme  Indian  style.  We  warmed  our  kettle  of  stew, 
roasted  a  squirrel,  satisfied  both  men  and  beasts, 
called  the  stream  Eunch  Creek,  and  passed  on.  We 
reached  Mr.  Adams's  at  four  P.  M.,  where  we  ex- 
pected to  spend  the  night.  But  his  house  was  under- 
going repairs  of  roof,  chamber  floors,  &c. ;  and  having 
secured  blades,  com,  (ice.,  for  our  horses,  chickens, 
sweet  potatoes,  and  milk  for  ourselves,  we  we:  it  a 
little  distance  to  a  small  run  of  water,*  and  made  our 
camp,  which  we  called  Camp  Necessity. 

^^  Friday  J  Uh. — ^We  rose  at  daydawn,  and  found 
our  bucket  of  water  frozen  over.  Made  all  ready, 
and  moved  on  to  Batesville,  which  place  we  reached 
at  three  P.  M.  Met  Brother  Juba  Estabrook,  the 
circuit  preacher,  who  conducted  us  to  Mr.  A.  W. 


A   YOUNG    MAN   3H0T. 


208 


;urned 
geons, 
Dverod 
)lfrom 
M,  antl 
kettle, 
.wberry 
rht,  and 

ttesville, 
)B,  a  few 
rhere  we 
punk,  in 

of  Btew, 
d  beasts, 
on.    We 
•e  we  ex- 
ras  nnder- 
Qd  having 

chickens, 
ve  wert  a 

made  our 

and  found 
all  ready, 
"we  reached 
abrook,  the 
Mr.  A.  W. 


Lyon's,  a  Presbyterian  brother,  who  will  entertain  us 
during  our  stay.  Saturday  rose  in  health,  as  also  my 
faiii'ly.  I  feel  very  much  at  homo  in  this  kind 
family;  and  the  more  so  as  Mrs.  Lyon's  brother  was 
a  special  friend  of  mine  at  Sault  Ste.  Marie.  Bishop 
Morris  finds  a  home  with  Colonel  Pelham,  an  old 
settler,  and  clerk  of  the  county,  r  pious  Methodist. 

"Two  weeks  ago  last  Thursday,  Mr.  Burton,  a 
young  man,  was  shot,  about  three  miles  from  town, 
by  some  one  in  ambush.  He  fell  from  his  horse  and 
expired,  having  received  eleven  buckshot.  Suspicion 
rested  upon  a  Dr.  Akin,  who  left  the  place;  but 
was  pursued  and  brought  back.  Much  excitement 
prevails,  and  the  doctor  is  committed  for  trial. 
Iloi'se-racing  has  been  the  order  of  the  present  week, 
with  a  part  of  this  community.  This  is  a  plausible 
but  pernicious  mode  of  gambling.  O  Lord,  open  the 
eyes  of  the  people  to  see  the  error  and  folly  of  their 
way  I  Preached  once  on  Sabbath,  and  heard  the 
bishop.  Attended  Sabbath  school.  They  have  a 
fine,  orderly  school  of  sixty  scholars,  and  a  library 
of  ^^'•ee  hundred  volumes,  all  from  our  own  Book 
Booms. 

"  Monday,  %th. — ^Purchased  an  old  pair  of  elliptic 
springs  to  place  within  mine,  lengthwise  of  the  car- 
riage, for  better  support.  The  way  has  been  rough, 
and  the  load  too  heavy  for  one  pair  since  leaving  St. 
Louis. 


ymMK'tm 


f ' 


mm\ 


ui 


204 


LIFE   OP    REV.    JOHN   CLARK. 


^^  Wednesda/t/y  Nvo.  10<A. — ^The  Arkansas  Confer- 
ence began  its  session  in  the  court-house,  Bishop 
Morris  presiding.  About  thirty  ministers  were 
present,  and  all  appeared  to  be  united  in  the  work. 
They  are  generally  young  in  appearance,  and  ener- 
getic in  action.  This  conference  covers  a  vast  extent 
of  territory,  and  they  truly  need  more  help. 

'  Lord  of  the  harvest,  hear 
Thy  needy  children's  cry.' 

On  Friday  I  preached  to  the  colored  people  at  the 
court-house  on,  *  Grow  in  Grace.'  Had  some  liberty 
in  spirit,  and  used  great  simplicity  in  the  discourse. 
Saturday  heard  Brother  John  Warrell  at  night:  a 
good,  plain,  sensible  discourse. 

"ySmw^y,  14<A. — ^The  bishop  preached  at  ten 
A.  M.  on,  *  Glorious  things  are  spoken  of  thee,  O 
city  of  God  I'  an  interesting  and  inspiriting  discourse. 
I  held  forth  in  the  aflkemoon  from  Luke  xxiv,  46, 
on  the  truth  and  mercy  of  the  Gospel.  At  night 
Brother  J.  0.  Parker  preached  on,  *  Gallio  cared  for 
none  of  these  things.' 

^^Monday,  Ihth. — ^Attended  a  temperance  meeting, 
and  listened  to  a  plain  and  pointed  address  from 
Brother  Allen,  of  this  conference.  About  seventy 
joined  the  society.  At  night  the  Anniversary  of  the 
Conference  Missionary  Socioty  was  held:  an  interest- 
ing season.    The  collection  amounted  to  $158,  and 


SALLY    DOE    CUKEK. 


205 


Jonfer- 
Bishop 
were 
5  work, 
a  ener- 
t,  extent 


e  at  the 
e  liberty 
liscourse. 
night:  a 

i   at   ten 
thee,  O 

discourse. 
xxiv,  46, 
At  night 
cared  for 

le  meeting, 
dress  from 
ut  seventy 
rsary  of  the 
an  interest- 
$158,  and 


pledges  to  $300  more :  a  noble  effort,  considering 
the  hardness  of  the  times.  Conference  closed  to- 
day, an4  all  seemed  pleased  with  the  work  assigned 
them.  Methodist  itinerant  preachers  are  a  strange 
set  of  self-sacrificing  men. 

"  Mr.  John  Agnew  came  to  this  place  during  the 
week,  to  spend  the  winter  witli  his  sister,  Mrs.  Lyon. 
He  is  from  Sault  Ste.  Marie;  and  the  meeting  of 
relatives  was  a  joyful  one,  after  a  separation  of  four- 
teen yeai*s.  And  it  was  very  pleasant  J^  us  to  meet 
with  our  old  neighbor. 

"  Tuesday^  16th. — Left  our  kind  friends  at  Bates- 
ville,  in  the  midst  of  a  cold  rain,  as  our  time  was 
limited.  We  were  detained  at  "White  River  ferry 
some  time  on  account  of  the  freshet,  and  then  put 
on  twelve  miles,  and  encamped  for  the  night  at 
Sally  Doe  Creek.  Among  the  early  settlers  was  a 
woman  by  the  name  of  SaHy^  who,  on  seeing  a 
doe  standing  in  the  water,  seized  a  gim  and  shot  it, 
so  the  creek  took  its  name  from  this  circumstance. 

"  On  Wednesday  we  pushed  on  to  Indian  Creek, 
twenty-seven  miles,  and  reached  Walker's,  where 
we  encamped,  making  twenty-one  miles;  and  on 
Friday  wo  arrived  at  Mr.  Coverey's,  where  we 
tarried  over  night. 

"  On  Saturday  we  crossed  Arkansas  River,  and 
arrived  at  Little  Rock,  where  we  found  a  good 
resting-place  at  Judge   Crutchfield's.     This  is  the 


i|!* 


206 


LIFE   OF   KEY.   JOHN    OLABK. 


capital  of  the  state,  and  a  fine  location.  Bishop 
Morris  preoched  on  Sabbath  morning,  and  I  ad- 
dressed the  pooplo  in  the  afternoon  on,  *  Almost 
thou  porsuadest  mo  to  bo  a  Christian.'  Methodism 
is  feeble,  and  they  much  need  a  strong  man  in 
the  ministiy  in  this  city. 

*'*' Monday^  22d. — ^Traveled  twenty  miles  over  a 
fine  country  and  a  tolerable  road  to  Brother  Ro- 
land's, where  we  found  a  hearty  welcome  and  good 
fare.  On  Tuesday  we  came  five  miles  to  Benton, 
the  seat  of  justice  for  Saline  County,  whore  the 
bishop  preached  in  the  court-house  to  about  forty 
persons.  After  dining  at  Mr.  Hackersmith's  we 
pushed  on  to  the  house  of  Brother  Cornelius,  who 
had  met  us  at  Benton,  to  conduct  us  to  his  house, 
a  distance  of  nine  miles. 

"  Wednesday f  24:th. — Came  twenty-six  miles,  and 
encamped  at  Bayou  de  Salle.  Just  after  supper 
a  tempest  of  wind  and  rain  came  down  upon  us 
with  great  fury,  which  nearly  put  out  our  fire, 
and  carried  our  tent  by  the  board.  But  our  united 
weight,  one  at  each  comer,  saved  us  the  embar- 
rassment of  a  severe  wetting  and  a  houseless  lodg- 
ing. At  the  south  end  of  this  twelve-mile  stretch 
we  arrived  on  Tlmrsday,  and  crossed  the  "Washitaw 
River  about  noon,  and  came  to,  for  the  night,  near 
Triggs,  where,  as  we  halted,  the  fore-axle  of  the 
buggy  gave  way,  by  which  we  were  detained  on 


KIND    KNTKUTAINMUNT. 


207 


eliop 
:  ad- 
Imost 
)di8Tn 
au  in 

iver  a 

1  good 
3enton, 
3ro  tUo 

it  forty 

til's  wo 
us,  who 
9  house, 

lies,  and 
'  supper 
upon  us 
our  fire, 
ur  united 
lg  embar- 
iless  lodg- 
,{le  stretch 
Washitaw 
aight,  near 
xie  of  the 
etained  on 


Friday  to  put  thingr  in  repair.  On  these  two  days 
the  weather  was  TCiy  cold,  but  wo  were  comfort- 
able in  our  cloth  tent  with  our  log-lioap  fire. 

^^Saturdmj,  Mh. — Made  twenty  miles  to  Wolf 
Creek,  and  put  up  till  Monday  at  Colonel  John 
"Wilson's,  by  whom  we  were  kindly  entertained. 
Ho  keeps  a  public-house,  but  would  receive  no 
compensation  for  our  entertainment.  But  had  we 
known  beforehand  that  this  was  the  man  who  took 
the  life  of  another  on  the  floor  of  the  Assembly  of 
the  state,  we  should  have  stopped  short,  gone  fur- 
ther, or  gone  into  camp,  cold  as  it  was,  and  it  was 
very  cold  indeed!  The  bishop  preached  on  Sab- 
bath morning,  and  I  gave  a  small  talk  in  the 
evening.  The  house  was  open  and  cold — all  cold 
together  I 

^^  Monday,  29<A. — ^At  sunrise  the  mercury  stood 
but  ten  degrees  above  zero ;  but  we  traveled  twenty- 
three  miles,  and  found  a  good  place  of  rest  at  Mr. 
Pate's,  whose  wife  is  a  member  of  our  Church. 
Next  day  we  came  to  "Washington,  two  miles,  where 
we  were  kindly  received  by  Chri.^tian  friends,  and 
I  preached  in  the  evening. 

"  Wed/nssday,  December  \st. — ^The  bishop.  Brother 
Gregory,  presiding  elder,  and  myself,  went  to  Co- 
lumbus, eight  miles,  where  we  had  service  in  the 
evening;  and  the  following  moniing  the  bishop 
ordained  three  local  deacons,  one  of  whom  had 


I 


^I^^Ml'*^' Vfl  p    , 


,.1     'k 

.t 


!"  ,9*  II 


208  ^"'*^  ^ 

teen  elected  to  "I--"'"  ?';^::rJrcpt.olong,^l"lc 
eertmcate  of  «^-«-':^^"';lJ  it.    IUb  name 

waiting  fo.  an  oPP-'-Xl'   ^^  ^^  ""«""' 
i,  Jolm  Henry,  and  h«  l.ce  ^^^^^  ^^ 

„,eryyear.    ""'^tft  o^U  Wends  at  Wa,!.- 
"ir,^y,  3rf.-y«  '«•  Jim   t^enty-Beven 

in,ton,  and  t-eled  to  ^P-^       J^        ^„,  ,^ 
miles.     Hero  we  tamed  »"  ^,.,  j,  ^  iino 

community,  but  .t  ff^atty  ^^^  ^^^^„,„„^. 

ministerial  lal)or.    I'^""  Hill,  and  took  tl.e 

u  Jf<«.*.y,  «'*-:^^^S  to  the  general  route 
nearest  way,  to  avo.d  r«^^  ,,eompanied  by 
ty  »  longer  ^"^^"^^  „ueB,  when. 

Colonel  Winn  and  ^^^^^l^,  they  retur.od. 

having  put  us  on  the  ng  ^^^  ^^^ 

We  made  -^^^^^^X^found  abundance  of 
night  in  a  V^^  ^^^ P^jCnot  Oar.p. 

"Early  on  Tuesday  w  ^^ 

crossed  the  Bodcaw,  an  ugj~^^^^^^^^.^„, 

knees,  and  at  s.x  P.  M-.  n  ^^^^^  ^^  ^^^^  ^^y 

encamped  for  the  ^'^^^  '^  „„  house  on  the 
,e  were  by  o«-^'^,Jj''i'  In  crossing  the 
way,  a  distance  <^  thuty  ^^  ^^^  „„ 

deep. 


la  'M  il!;! 


:&**.  ■/ 


CAMP    PRIilCITY. 


209 


i 


d  U« 

lewcd 
in. 

^.geven 
id  Ivad 
8  a  fino 
xidicioUB 
noB8. 
took  tlie 
,ral  routo 
anied  by 
08,  vrlien, 

d  for  the 
ndance  of 

ir  journey, 
of  cypress 
rcbeat,  and 
)f  this  day 
31186  on  the 
;ro8sing  the 

to  lay  o^^ 
te  water  was 


"  ]Vednesdai/y  Sth. — After  crossing  Bovcral  Btrcams 
and  bayous  wo  made  thirteen  miles,  leaving  Ar- 
kansas  and  entering  the  state  of  Louisiana.  On 
tliis  line  we  took  our  lunch,  and  fed  our  horaes  on 
cane-brake.  On  encamping  for  the  night,  we  found 
the  place,  as  well  as  the  water  and  food  for  our 
horses,  so  good,  that  we  called  it  Camp  Felicity. 
We  had  plenty  of  broad,  butter,  milk,  and  sugar 
for  our  tea;  sweet  potatoes,  ham,  and  a  fine  piece 
of  cub  which  we  purchased  on  the  way.  Leaving 
this  place  on  Tliursday,  we  soon  found  ourselves 
in  the  midst  of  rain,  which  fell  in  frequent  showers 
during  the  day;  but  we  made  sixteen  miles,  and 
went  into  camp,  which  we  called  Camp  Holly,  on 
account  of  the  holly-trees,  which  were  there  in 
large  numbers.  It  is  a  beautiful  evergreen.  Wo 
were  visited  by  Brother  Frederic  Grounds,  who 
assisted  us  in  preparing  wood,  &c.,  for  the  night, 
and  gave  us  a  fine  fowl,  eggs,  and  butter.  Next 
day  we  reached  Minden,  twelve  miles,  by  one 
o'clock  F.  M.,  and  continued  on  through  a  fine 
forest,  with  no  house  for  six  miles  either  way  from 
our  resting-place,  which  we  called  Camp  Solitude. 

"  On  Saturday  we  pressed  on  to  Brother  Simon 
Manning's,  where  we  found  entertainment  till  after 
the  Sabbath.  In  the  evening  of  Saturday  a  notice 
was  sent  abroad  through  the  forest  that  the  bishop 
would  preach  next  day.    We  set  out  in  the  morning 

14 


.      I 


»'.4r^-«V«  .  «^.^»*^4v< 


ft' 


,.jpr 


iiti 


'i  iiii,  m 


^^r^  of  hkv.  JOiii^  clabk. 


our  rigUt-band  patU  t  roug         ^  _^  ^„„i,i„g,  ,„d 
e»mo  to  tUo  place     It  »  ^.^^^,  ^^^,  t,.e 

there  i.  not  a  P'"^"'^^  "^^^'^^^n,  ,™emWo.l,  and 
concern.  A^""' 7"*^  a' d\ere  refreshed  to- 
^e  l.ad  a  good  d.«co««e,  a^d  «  .,^^. 

getUer  in  the  -•■««""««;    .%,„,e  „e  hero  f«n.^ 
^,aco  is  thirty  «.iles  d..tant-  J  ^,, 

L„  MothodiBU,  nine  «  J  « 

^^  he  «-' -J^/^^J'/i  on  -enteen  n.il. 

"^'^''^   Mr  Bandoipl.'«,  who  keeps  a  P«V 
and  stopped  at  Brother  iv         i  ^  j„„pa„y  of 

lie  house,  which  was  mostly  flU^d       ^^^^  ^^^^.^^ 
hunters;  ■'»«' *^"«' rT^V^ed  a  singular  weapon, 
fronvTexas.    <>"!  f  *^  "j^^t    On  retiring  for  the 
combining  the  p-stol  »"^  ^ath;  and  our  little  boy, 
„,ght  he  too.  this  ^--^  J-'Jting  hilled  twice- 
supposing  ho  was  m  <l":g^     ,,„d  f^^  tho  room, 
J  shot  and  tJ>en  sUbbed^  ru^         ^^^  .^^^^  „„ 
and  found  his  way  to  ou«,  ^^^^  ^^^^,  ^, 

'^-P^"«- ,  ""^  "^isCS  of  carrying  big  knives 
peril  in  sleep,    ^h"  P'^^  ^^^  ^prehensMe. 

L  times  of  peace  »b«ag  ^^„   ^,^  ,« 

» Tuetday,  14«A.-Attor  ^  ^^^ 

reached  the  far-famed  ^ed^^*  ,,,  j^^ense 
descended  the  river  seven  mU^  »  «  ^^^^  ^,  g, 
cotton  plantations^  J«  cr^^  ^^,  ,«  Core 
Nicholas  Terry,  midway  « 


ARRIVAL    IN   TRXAfl. 


211 


,,  then 
IS,  ft»^^ 
gi  »^'^ 

Dttt  t\lO 

Bhed  to- 

ero  f««^ 
red.    Tlie 

toon  tnUes 
,op8  a  pvib- 
otnpany  of 
e  retunung 
i\ar  weapon, 
ring  for  the 
Lr  Utt\o  boy, 
[llod  twice— 
[m  tlio  room, 
p  insisted  on 
U  forgot  Wb 

,g  big  1^1^^^^^ 
eprebensible. 

^en  miles  vre 

Compte,  and 

the  immense 

,  river  at  Bt. 

^rajid  de  Core 


and  Nfttchitochos.  A  little  further  on  wo  clirme  ii 
place  of  rcHt,  and  culled  it  Long  Hofw  (^unip,  ns  thnt 
article  was  in  full  length  upon  the  trees.  Wu  have 
traveled  nineteen  niile8  to-daj. 

"  Wt'dnrtitla}/^  15/A. — Made  twenty  uiilo«,  and 
tnrned  into  what  wo  called  Bay-Tree  ('amp.  llio 
night  was  windy,  and  our  frail  tahernacle  nhook 
merrily;  but  wo  M'oro  kept  in  safety.  Iluiraday. 
Slept  well,  after  traveling  twenty  miles.  Fri<lay. 
Hixteen  miles  brought  ns  to  tho  Texas  lino,  which  wo 
crossed  at  two  o'clock  P.  M.,  Docombor  17th,  1841, 
and  wont  eight  milos  further,  and  rested  in  the  Red 
I^nd  Camp. 

^^ Saturday^  ISth. — Came  on  eighteen  milos.  Pass- 
ed Milan,  county  seat  of  Sabino  County,  and  reached 
Ran  Augustine,  the  seat  of  the  conference,  at  four 
o'clock  P.  M.  Tliis  is  tho  seat  of  justice  for  tho 
county  of  tho  same  name ;  in  latitude  31°  40',  and 
longitude  17°  west  from  Washington.  During  our 
stay  hero  we  stop  with  Brother  J.  Perkins,  who  has 
lately  boon  brought  into  tho  fold  of  Christ." 

Here  this  long  and  tiresome  journey  of  a  thousand 
milos  ends,  with  tho  pilgrims  safe  and  happy. 
Tliey  had  been  on  the  way  since  October  4th,  and 
had  lodged  in  their  tout  twenty  nights.  "What 
induced  them  thus  to  roam?  Not  tho  greed  of 
worldly  gain,  but  the  hope  of  increased  usefulness 


212  UFE   OF   BEV.  ^OHN   CLABK. 

•„.  Truly,  tliore  are  heroes  in 
in  the  Mnster'9  service.  ^'^^'  ^.^^  itinerancy 
tue  Christian  ministry -and  the  Metl »  ^^^ 

„,,  its  full  share  of  *^«»-  ^f  ^^^'^^n  that  of  the 
lime  spectacle  exhibited  ''"'»"g  ^'^lo  presses  his 
.elf.sacrificing  and  vaUant  »— Ventures  health 

.ay  through  toils  ^^J^^  'JJ Vat  he  u.y  hring 

and  life  in  his  search  after  the  lost,  m 

them  to  Christ. 


TEXAS    CONFERENCE. 


218 


oes  ia 
jrancy 
•e  8u\)- 
t  of  the 
5963  his 
health 
iy  bring 


CHAPTER    XVIII. 

LABORS  IN  TEXAS. 

Tcxaa  Conference  —  Appointmentb— Rutoravillo  ristrict  —  Three  hun- 
dred Miles  to  his  District  —  Tent  still  needed —  "  Called  a  Methodist" 
—Wedding  nt  a  Camp-ground  —  Grove  of  Enter— Arrives  at  Rnters- 
ville  —  In  a  hired  Room  —  Goods  sent  back  to  New-Orleans  —  Arrives 
at  Austin — Congress  —  Preaches  in  Senate  Chamber  —  Introduced  to 
Government  Officers  —  Indians  hostile  — His  Armor — Gonzales  —  His 
first  Love-feast  in  Texas — Mustang  —  Rntersville — Egypt  —  Extent 
of  his  District — Mexican  and  Indian  Outrages  —  Cannibals  —  Mr. 
Cln'-k's  Qualifications  and  Faithfulness  —  Council  of  War  at  a  Quarterly 
Ivie-dng  —  Effect  of  the  War  upon  Religion  —  Some  Prosperity — The 
People's  Estimate  of  Mr.  Clark  —  Concern  for  the  People  of  Color— 
Anecdote  —  "We  are  not  Fljr-catchers "  —  Elected  a  Delegate  to 
General  Conference,  1844 — Transferred  to  Troy  Conference  —  His 
Vote  in  Bishop  Andrew's  Cose — Censured  by  Texoa  Conference  — 
His  Reply  to  their  Resolution — Pecuniary  Loss. 

The  Texas  Conference  began  its  session  Thursday, 
January  23d,  a  few  days  after  the  arrival  of  our 
travelers.  It  was  held  in  the  Masonic  Hall,  which 
Mr.  Clark  represents  as  cold,  because  of  the  state  of 
the  weather  at  the  time.  The  preachers  were  nearly 
all  in  attendance,  and  in  good  health;  all  but  one 
taking  effective  relations.  With  the  aid  of  the 
dividend  from  the  Book  Concern  and  Chartered 
Fund,  all  received  their  full  claims.  The  conference 
was  harmonious ;  and,  as  the  number  was  small,  they 
finished  their  work  and  adjourned  on  the  28th. 


EmI>4 


ft" '11 


1 


\m 


214 


LIFE    OF    REV.   JOHN    CLARK. 


Mr.  Clark  was  appointed  in  cliargo  of  the  Rutfire- 
ville  DiBtrict,  which  included  the  following  circuits 
and  preachers : 

Enters ville,  to  be  supplied. 

Austin,  J.  "W.  Whipple. 

Washington,  O.  Fisher. 

Matagorda,  R.  Crawford. 

Victoria,  Daniel  Carl. 

C.  Richardson,  President  of  Ruteraville  College. 

0.  W.  Thomas,  Professor  of  Ancient  Languages. 

L.  Fowler  and  J.  Hanie,  Agents. 

After  his  journey  of  one  thousand  miles  to  reach 
the  new  republic,  he  had  still  thret  hundred  miles 
between  him  and  the  place  of  his  future  residence. 
As  soon  as  he  could  get  all  things  in  readiness  he  set 
forward  toward  his  destination,  with  his  carriage  and 
horses.  The  second  day  after  the  close  of  the  Con- 
ference he  reached  Melrose,  and  encamped;  for  he 
stiU  had  use  for  his  tent  and  furniture.  Tlie  next  day 
he  arrived  at  Mr.  Grears's,  where  he  found  accom- 
modations; and  at  M'Knight's  on  the  night  follow- 
ing, where  he  tarried  over  the  Sabbath.  Bishop 
Morris  and  Mr.  Whipple  were  still  in  his  company ; 
and  they  preached  each  a  sermon  on  the  Sabbath, 
at  the  camp-ground.  The  next  day  Mrs.  Clark  was 
very  sick ;  but  by  using  means  promptly  the  disease 
was  arrested.  On  Tuesday  he  paid  his  host  a  bill  of 
eight  dollar^  and  passed  on  to  M'Lean's,  where  he 


■ineK.^ 


JOURNEY    TO    RUTERSVILLB. 


215 


Iluterfl- 
circuits 


:5ollege. 
gttages. 

38  to  reacb 

idred  miles 

e  residence. 

liness  he  set 

carriage  and 
of  the  Con- 

,ped;  for  he 

riie  next  day 

found  accom- 
night  foUow- 
3ath.    Bishop 
his  company ; 
the  Sabhath, 
fe.  Clark  was 
»tly  the  disease 
9  host  a  hill  of 
,an'8,  ^^IJ^ere  he 


"  found  a  quiet  house,  a  good  cook,  and  a  clean  bod." 
lie  had  traveled  twenty-four  miles;  and  an  equal  dis- 
tance brought  him  next  day  to  Brother  Box's,  near 
Crockett.  From  this  place  he  passed  twenty-seven 
miles  over  an  indifferent  road ;  saw  some  twenty  deer ; 
broke  the  tongue,  or  pole,  of  his  carriage ;  unshipped, 
repacked,  and  arrived  near  Trinity  Eiver,  where  they 
put  up  for  the  night.  He  says :  "  Our  host  is  called 
a  Methodist.  Fed  our  team,  attended  prayers,  and 
retired  to  rest  on  the  floor.  Rose  betimes  next  morn- 
ing; put  in  a  hickory  pole  for  a  carriage  tongue;  ate 
breakfast ;  but  no  time  was  devoted  to  family  prayer. 
No  I  neither  bishop,  priest,  nor  deacon  was  invited 
to  pray  in  the  morning ;  but  each  paid  his  bill,  and 
put  off  over  the  Ti'inity,  having  our  host  for  a  guide." 
They  went  into  camp  again  at  night.  Next  day  they 
reached  Mr.  Robinson's,  where  they  spent  another 
Sabbath. 

On  that  Sabbath  the  bishop  joined  a  couple  in  the 
holy  bands  of  matrimony  at  the  camp-ground ;  after 
which  they  repaired  to  the  stand,  where  Rev.  Mr. 
Summers  preached  a  good  sermon  by  torch-light. 
Next  day  was  rainy  and  cold,  and  they  kept  within ; 
and  on  Tuesday  made  a  short  distance,  counting 
twenty-two  deer,  which  showed  themselves  to  the 
company.  On  the  following  day  they  traveled  twenty 
miles,  and  were  kindly  entertained  at  the  house  of  Mr. 
King,  who  supplied  all  their  wants  with  hospitality. 


i|-, 


111 


LIFE    OF    RJSV.    JOHN    CLARK. 

Thursday  they  crossed  the  Brazos  River,  by  ferry, 
for  a  dollar,  and  after  ascending  a  difficult  bank, 
came  to  Washington,  and  inquired  for  the  grave  of 
Dr.  Martin  Ruter,  which  they  soon  found ;  and  after 
spending  a  little  time  in  serious  reflection  and  con- 
vereation,  passed  on,  and  put  up  with  a  good  member 
of  the  Church,  by  the  name  of  Lynch. 

They  passed  the  following  Sabbath  in  a  quiet,  well- 
ordered  family,  and  had  service  morning  and  even- 
ing :  the  bishop  and  Mr.  Clark  both  preached.  On 
Monday  night  they  wore  entertained  by  Mr.  Christ- 
man,  who,  with  his  wife,  was  living  for  a  better 
world,  though  having  large  possessions  in  this.  Hero 
the  bishop  preached  in  the  evening. 

On  the  19th  of  January  they  reached  Rutersville, 
the  place  where  Mr.  Clark  was  to  reside  while  on  the 
district.  "  This,"  says  Mr.  Clark,  "  is  the  end  of  our 
journey.  In  all,  since  leaving  Mount  Morris,  Illinois, 
we  have  traveled  about  thirteen  hundred  miles,  all 
by  land,  and  no  serious  accident  has  befallen  us,  for 
which  we  would  be  thankful." 

Here  he  hired  a  small,  unfinished  room  for  the 
present,  for  eight  dollars  per  month,  and  also  hired  a 
brother,  and  found  him  a  horse,  to  ride  to  Columbia, 
and  inquire  after  his  goods,  which  had  been  sent  by 
water  via  New-Orleans. 

On  the  2lBt  they  moved  into  their  hired  room,  and 
commenced  housekeeping.     He  says,  "Our  room 


VISITS    HIS   CIRCUITS. 


217 


ferry, 

ave  of 
d  after 
id  con- 
neinber 

,et,  well- 
(id  even- 
Led.    On 
r.  Christ- 
a  better 
lis.  Hero 

Liitersville, 
lile  on  the 
end  of  our 
:is,IllinoiB, 
miles,  all 
lien  ns,  for 

^m  for  the 
also  hired  a 
Columbia, 
jen  sent  by 

d  room,  and 
«Our  room 


looks  naked  indeed,  but  all  is  well."  Here  he  parted 
with  the  bishop,  wlio  proceeded  to  Austin,  the  capital 
of  the  republic.  The  man  who  had  been  sent  to  Co- 
lumbia to  inquire  after  his  goods,  returned  with  the 
information,  that  the  firm  to  which  they  had  been  con- 
signed had  refused  to  pay  the  charges  on  them,  and 
tliey  had  been  taken  back  to  New-Orleans.  By  this 
unfortunate  occurrence  he  suffered  very  serious  loss. 
His  goods,  including  his  library  and  papers,  were 
greatly  injured,  and  some  of  them  wholly  ruined ;  and 
the  long  delay  in  procuring  their  return  was  a  very 
great  inconvenience. 

He,  however,  soon  provided  for  his  family,  and  set 
out  on  his  visits  to  the  circuits  in  his  charge.  On  his 
arrival  at  Austin  he  put  his  horae  at  a  hvery  stable 
at  a  dollar  per  day,  while  he  was  entertained  without 
cost.  The  Congress  of  the  republic  was  in  session, 
and  he  preached  in  the  evening  in  the  senate  cham- 
ber to  a  good  congregation.  He  was  made  acquaint- 
ed with  the  president  and  vice-president,  and  many 
members  of  Congress,  all  of  whom  received  him  very 
cordially,  and  expressed  their  gladness  that  he  had 
come  to  exert  his  influence  in  the  country  for  its  im- 
provement and  elevation. 

From  Austin  he  directed  his  course  to  Gonzales, 
and  found  it  expedient  to  arm  himself  with  deadly 
weapons.  The  republic  was  at  war  with  Mexico,  and 
the  Indians  especially  were  troublesome  and  murder- 


I 


m 


"I 

i 


m^:'i 


218 


LIFE    OF    UKV.    JOHN    OLAUK. 


w 


0U8.  Travelers  were  liable  to  attacks  from  them  at  any 
hour,  and  many  were  slain  by  those  stealthy  foes.  He 
took  a  shot-gun  and  a  large  pistol,  charging  each 
with  nine  buck-shot ;  and  his  companion  had  a 
double-barreled  shot-gun,  with  fifteen  buck-shot  in 
each  barrel.  Thus  armed,  they  mounted  and  pressed 
on  until  night,  and  found  a  pleasant  greeting  and 
good  lodgings  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Good.  They  met 
with  no  foes  by  the  way,  though  two  men  had  been 
shot  near  their  path  the  day  before. 

On  Friday,  February  4th,  they  reached  Gonzales, 
where  he  held  a  quarterly  meeting  on  Saturday  and 
Sabbath.  Here  was  the  first  love-feast  he  ever  held 
in  that  republic,  and  he  represents  it  as  a  good 
season,  though  only  about  twenty  attended.  In  the 
evening  several  persons  came  forward  for  prayers, 
and  the  prospect  was  good  for  a  genuine  revival  of 
religion.  Thus  he  began  his  work  in  that  field  with 
good  prospects  of  usefulness.  On  his  way  home  he 
saw  several  mustang^  or  wild  horses,  and  a  very  large 
number  of  deer,  with  which  the  country  at  that  time 
abounded.  He  reached  home  on  the  ninth  of  Feb- 
ruary, and  the  following  Saturday  and  Sabbath  held 
a  quarterly  meeting  at  Eutersvillo,  the  place  of  his 
residence.  This  was  a  season  of  great  comfort  and 
profit. 

His  next  appointment  was  at  Egypt,  Matagorda 
Circuit,  where  the  good  Spirit  was  powerfully  pres- 


1^ 


EXTENT    OP    HIS    D18TUICT. 


210 


at  any 
I.    He 

r  oacli 
bad  a 
shot  iu 
pressed 
ing  and 
liey  niet 
ad  been 

3^onzales, 
rday  and 
ever  beld 
J  a  good 
In  tbe 
prayers, 
revival  of 
field  \ntb 
J  borne  be 
very  large 
,t  tbat  time 
Ltb  of  I'oIj- 
bbatb  beld 
)lace  of  bis 
.omfort  and 

Matagorda 
erfully  pres- 


ent. Hero  was  a  society,  organized  by  Dr.  Kutcr. 
From  this  place  lie  passed  on  to  Cedar  Crook,  Wash- 
ington Circuit;  and  before  the  services  closed  on 
Sunday  evening,  two  men  and  their  wives  were  con- 
verted, and  went  on  their  way  rejoicing. 

Here  Mr.  Clark's  Journal  ends.  It  was  commenced 
on  his  leaving  Illinois ;  and  for  all  that  follows  I  am 
indebted,  so  far  as  the  general  facts  are  concerned,  to 
Eev.  Josiah  W.  Whipple,  who  was  one  of  Mr.  Clark's 
company  from  Illinois,  and  who  is  still  in  the  ministry 
in  Toxas. 

His  district,  though  it  had  but  few  circuits,  was 
an  extended  territory,  including  nearly  all  the  set- 
tlements then  established  on  the  Brazos,  Colorado, 
and  Guadaloupe  Elvers.  Tlie  north  and  south- 
western portions  formed  the  extreme  outer  borders 
of  Protestantism  in  the  republic.  This  was  a  re- 
markable border  country,  looking  out  upon  Mexico, 
which  still  claimed  Texas  as  a  pai't  of  its  own  ter- 
ritory, and  was  determined  to  maintain  its  claim 
by  force  of  arms.  Marauding  parties  of  Mexicans 
and  Indians  were  often  committing  ravages  and 
barbarities  upon  the  inhabitants.  Texas  was  twico 
invaded  by  powerful  hosts  during  the  fii-st  year  of 
Mr.  Clark's  labors  there,  and  each  time  San  Antonio 
foil  into  their  hands.  This  city  is  only  eighty  miles 
distant  from  the  heart  of  Rutersville  District.  The 
whole  frontier  was  constantly  annoyed  by  the  hostile 


ii 


ii 


m  i 


220 


LIFE    OF    KEY.    JOHN    CLARK. 


I',        * 


1        4 


Indians,  whose  hatred  of  tlio  Toxans  was  most  in- 
tense. They  were  watching  for  opportunities  to 
steal,  take  captives,  and  kill.  Many  of  them  were 
real  cannibals,  and  delighted  to  Jerk  a  white  man, 
(when  fleshy,)  oud  dry  his  flesh  for  provision  in  a 
future  campaign.  Tliis  was  a  horrifying  thought, 
that,  perhaps,  the  savages  that  were  prowling  about 
a  camp  or  cabin  were  feasting  on  human  flesh ! 

In  this  state  of  things  Mr.  Clark  soon  learned  to 
carry  his  implements  of  war  with  as  much  ease 
and  grace  as  he  can'ied  his  saddle-bags.  On  one 
circuit  in  his  district  seventeen  men  were  waylaid 
and  killed.  Ko  one  knew  when  he  was  safe,  day 
or  night. 

Mr.  Clark  showed  himself  peculiarly  fitted  by 
both  nature  and  grace  for  the  work  before  him. 
His  enlarged  ideas  of  the  great  commission  were 
calculated  to  urge  him  on  in  his  arduous  work,  as 
well  as  to  sustain  him  in  it.  At  his  first  quarterly 
meeting  in  Austin  he  had  an  opportunity  to  pre- 
sent the  claims  of  the  Gospel  before  many  of  the 
first  men  in  the  nation,  some  of  whom  had  not 
heard  a  sermon  for  years.  This  he  did  with  an 
ability  which  all  felt  and  acknowledged.  His  ser- 
mons on  that  occasion  are  often  mentioned  even 
until  now  as  model  sermons,  and  as  making  im- 
pressions unusually  deep.  The  Church  hailed  him 
as  an  able  minister  of  the  Gospel,  while  statesmen 


THE    TEXAN    WAR. 


221 


58t  in* 
ties  to 
a  were 
e  man, 
311  in  a 
honglit, 
g  about 

arned  to 
icli  ease 
On  one 
)  waylaid 
safe,  day 

fitted  by 
jfore  bim. 
ision  were 
s  work,  as 
;  quarterly 
Lty  to  pre- 
any  of  the 
[n  bad  not 
id  witb  an 
I.    His  ser- 
ioned  even 
making  ina- 
bailed  bim 
le  Btatesmen 


regarded  him  as  one  calculated  to  oxort  a  powerful 
influence  in  behalf  of  the  nation,  botlv  morally  and 
intellectually.  Many  flocked  to  hear  him,  while 
he  preached  as  readily  to  the  few  whom  ho  found 
here  and  there  as  to  the  hundreds  or  thousands  who 
listened  to  his  messages  in  i)opulous  places. 

On  the  fall  of  San  Antonio  in  1842,  Mr.  Clark 
was  holding  a  quarterly  meeting  at  Bastrop,  about 
eighty  miles  distant,  and  the  news  reached  that 
place  in  the  afternoon  of  the  Sabbath.  At  the 
close  of  the  service  a  council  of  war  was  hold,  and 
Mr.  Clark  remarked  that  God  had  acknowledged 
the  independence  of  Texas.  He  exhorted  the  people 
to  trust  in  God,  and  be  true  to  thoir  country. 
Several  of  the  ministers  went  to  the  camp  to 
encourage,  and  aid,  if  need  be,  the  defenders  of 
Texas;  and  for  a  time  the  othere  could  do  little 
more  than  visit  the  women  and  children  whoso 
husbands  and  fathers  were  in  the  army.  In  this 
work  they  were  diligent  and  faithful,  exhorting 
them  to  trust  in  God,  and  hope  for  peaceful  times. 
Mr.  Clark  was  always  engaged  in  the  great  work 
of  his  mission,  and  with  some  success,  even  in  those 
times  of  confusion  and  distress. 

In  December,  1842,  the  conference  met  at  Bas- 
trop, and  he  was  returned  to  Rutersvillo  District. 
This  year  also  was  one  of  great  trouble  in  "Western 
Texas.     The  struggle  with  Mexico  continued,  and 


i  ,m 


^1 


i      1^; 


i:    < 


I     ■      4, 


in  tho  midrt  of  »11,  tl.e  J"-*  ^j  „»  ^,,icU 

,«,ed.  Several  ^'^-^l^^^'^^ZZl  of  WcksUder, 
„.any  were  -;-;^«  Jjfj  rhost^  of  tl.e  latter 
were  reclaimod,  for  tl  ere  we  ^_^^  ^^^^.^ 

firBt  love  on  the  way  je  ^^.^_^^  _^^^^  j,,„ 

^aB  tl.e  excited-stato  "^  *o  p  _^^,^ 

Btate  of  n,oraU  'n^';^;^-   ^^^  „,<..asy  Uad 

the  ordinances  of  tuo  «o»i    > 

been  the  order  of  the  day.  ^^,^^,f  „f 

Mr.  Clark  exerted  all  h.    powe  ^^^ 

^ligion/and  in  doing  g'^/'j!^'^,,'  ,iety  and 
people  had  the  »t™-V*'„':  '^In^  it  hy 

'good  judg^of '  i:Sr  r^n  t^at  new  country, 
the  Lord  to  help  the  ^tarch  ^^  ^^^_ 

It  «s  at  the  can>p-meet.ngs  ospec  a  y^  ^^ 

.ineed  all  of  his  ^o"'*  ^^n  went  to  their  side 
the  colored  peopK     He  o        ^_^^  ^^^^  .^  ^^^.^ 

j„ayer.meetmgs,  exhort   g  ^^^  ,^,^  ^^. 

pions,  and  praymg  *^»'  ^^J    ^  ^.e  same  desire 
U  in  this  —  h     2^^^^  ^^^^  ^,,  , 

'"  'T  'Tatiot  ^  those  humhle  ones. 
Ml  share  of  atte^n  ^^^^^^ 

^*  one  of  those   P    y  ^^^^^^  ^„^  j^e 

,  ^^i^irir^-tnLterehadlaW. 


A   TALK   TO   SOME   PURPOSE. 


228 


;  but, 
proa- 

csliclcrs 
3  latter 
fit  tlioir 
[id  BUcU 
and  tho 


asy 


had 


ijelialf  o^ 
nd.    Tlio 
piety  and 
I  sent  by 
^  country, 
at  ho  con- 
ilvation  of 
thoir  eido 
5in  in  their 
aiding  the 
By  his  ex- 
same  dosiro 
lioy  gave  a 
)ne8. 

here  was  a 
-cy,  and  the 
,d  labored  in 


her  behalf  until  they  wore  utterly  wonry,  and  had 
retired  to  their  tent  to  wleop ;  but  the  girl  continued 
her  cries  without  much  regard  to  sentiment,  or  to 
the  instructions  which  liad  been  given  in  relation 
to  faith  in  Christ.  An  old  colored  woman  came 
to  the  presiding  elder,  and  asked  if  she  might  "  talk 
to  dat  gal."  lie  told  her  it  was  his  desire  that 
she  would  do  so.  She  went  to  the  girl,  seized 
her  by  the  shoulders,  and  shook  her  smartly,  and 
said  to  her,  "  You  gal  1  what  dat  you  doin'  ?  Just 
shet  up  your  mouth  and  open  your  heart;  and 
hasn't  the  Saviour  said,  *I  will  come  in  dare?* 
Now  jnst  try  it."  And  it  was  but  a  moment 
before  the  girl  was  happy  in  the  knowledge  of 
sins  forgiven.  Mr.  Clark  said,  "Tliere,  see  how 
simple,  and  yet  how  true,  and  how  wisely  said. 
That  old  woman  beats  us  all  in  preaching  Christ. 
Lot  us  learn  from  this." 

At  one  of  his  camp-meetings  a  young  preacher  had 
been  speaking  from  these  words,  "  Ye  will  not  come 
to  me  that  ye  may  have  life."  He  was  rather 
pointed  in  his  remarks  against  those  who  are  fully 
convinced  of  the  reality  of  religion,  and  its  importance 
to  their  well-being,  and  yet  will  choose  the  world  in 
preference  to  Christ.  Some  of  the  sinners  were  dis- 
pleased with  the  sermon ;  and  an  old  preacher  was 
rather  inclined  to  reprove  the  young  man  for  his 
pointed  remarks;  and  said  he  "had  always  found 


'i 


''A 

!     I 


''  li 


'  II 


>3  '< 


Mi'  I'll 


4  'Pi  n 

H  til       MI'U 


/>«    ntiV     JOHN    CLARK. 

honey  bcucr  .,.u  viuo«ar  to  <^;^;^^'^J!:;. 
Clark,  «Uo  «»»  >•«»""«;"  »  "  "  ^^m  ..  Wo  arc  not 

fly-catcborB.      N«"""f  jj,„  ,„„,arlt,  and  con- 

preacher  felt  very  P"  «'»     «      ^„,i.  ^.o  n.vitatlon, 

elndea  it  wa,  l-PO'/^f  ^^j„,    He  ha.  many 
a„d    throatomngs   of  the    "I  f„„„^i„p; 

^arm  friend,  in  Texas;  «'«'  '«  J^^^'^,,  ,„ece,rf«l. 
year,  at  Galveston,  were  »!>  -•»^J;,„„fiaenee  to 
ke  poor  conld  -^-^e      U  aid t«ncd  delighted 

%r^r.as  elected  a.ega.;o  the  — 
Conference,  which  met  >»  N-^\.^  ^^^^,     ,,  ,,.0 
Horthinsearch    fh    W,       ^^^^  ^^^^  ^^^^ 
hiB  loavmg.    Tl>«  "«'  ^  ^^.  ,       to  transfer 

with  us  in  *«. ^°';'J:-  j^„d,ew with  slavery  pro- 

Tl.e  -""^-^^'o^Jf^'Sment  unparalleled  in  any 
duced  an  amount  of  exc  to  J       ^^^  ^j^^^^gU 

General  Conference ;  and^-J-^  ^^^  ^^  ^^  ^^^ 

the  whole  e<>°»«»  ^North,  and  in  favor  of  the  veso- 
Mr.  Olark  was  with  the  IN  orin,  •" 


KKBUliUTION    i)¥    OKNgURU. 


225 


»»  Mr. 
pfttM  i*^ 
ftro  not 

0  young 
u\d  con- 
vitatlourt 
ivH  many 
following 
luccossful. 
Rdencc  to 

1  delJgUtod 
X\x  preach- 

le  General 
,  1844,  and 
nUy  to  tlio 
tho  time  of 
yoV  Oonfcr- 
)  to  transfer 
prudent  for 
lunate.    T^e 
3  again  found 

h  slavery  pro- 
illeled  in  any 
e  fire  tlirougli 
te  on  his  case, 
vor  of  the  reso- 


lution which  declared  that  ItlNlkop  Andrew  ought  to 
cease  to  oxorciso  his  oiHco  so  long  us  he  should  ho 
connected  with  slavery.  The  action  of  ^[r.  (Jluik 
WttH  received  hy  the  Texas  Conference  with  decided 
disfavor;  and  at  their  next  soHHion  they  expressed 
their  view  of  his  course  in  the  following  terin.<(: 

**  Jii'Holvedy  Tliat  it  is  the  sense  of  this  (/(udoroneo 
that  the  Uev.  John  Clark,  one  of  our  doU'gutes  to  the 
late  (ioneral  Conference,  entirely  misrepresented  our 
views  and  sentiments  in  his  votes  in  the  cases  of 
Itev.  F.  A.  Harding  and  Bishop  Andrew." 

To  the  above,  Mr.  Clark  offered  the  following 
reply,  through  the  Christian  Advocate  and  Journal : 

'•  llEHOIXTION  OF  TEXAS  CO:<FKnnNCB. 

"Rev.  Dh.  Bond, — For  several  monthM  pa«t  I  linvo  boon 
Awaro,  that  on  account  of  tny  vote  in  the  luto  General  Oon- 
ferenco,  in  tho  caNO  of  Bluliop  Andrew,  my  old  friendn  in  Texas, 
in  sundry  resolutions,  had  liundled  nio  pretty  roughly.  However, 
I  l.'ud  pretty  much  uomo  to  tho  conclusion  that,  fueling  porfuctly 
confident  in  tho  correctness  of  my  course  in  tlic  matter,  I  slioiild 
suffer  all  persons,  or  as  many  as  chose  to  do  so,  to  censure  and  de- 
nounce mo  to  their  heart's  content  without  reply.  But  since  tho 
Conference,  whoso  delegate  I  was,  have  taken  formal  action  in  tho 
case,  I  have  concluded  that  to  remain  longer  silent  might  bo  thougltt 
either  n  confession  of  the  wrong  alleged,  or  disrespectful  to  tho 
brethren  who  have  deemed  my  vote  in  the  premises  matter  of 
such  magnitude  as  to  demand  grave  Conference  action. 

"Some  time  previous  to  this  action  of  that  Conference,  the 
friends  in  Washington  Circuit,  Texos,  at  a  quarterly  conference, 
'resolved^  that  I  bad  ^grossly  abused  the  trust  reposed  in  me.' 

16 


\4 


,>\ii: 


/  ^   ':.    ' 


226 


LIFE    or    REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


^       I     :!' 


Now,  had  these  kind  friends  taken  time  to  breathe  long  enongh 
to  define  the  trust  I  am  charged  with  abusing,  it  is  i^uite  proba- 
ble their  vote,  or  resolution  of  censure  and  denunciation,  had 
been  withheld,  or  would  have  been  of  an  entirely  different 
character.  To  this  grave  charge  I  enter  the  plea.  Not  guilty; 
and  will  simply  remark  that,  as  a  delegate  of  the  Texas  Confer- 
ence, I  did  not  understand,  ur  suppose,  that  I  was  charged  with 
any  trust  or  agency  that  would  go  to  break  up  the  usage  of  the 
Church  for  the  last  sixty  years,  by  sanctifying  slavery  in  her 
bosom,  in  casting  a  vote  to  sanction  its  connection  with  the 
episcopacy.  Therefore,  as  no  such  trust  was  reposed  in  me,  I  did 
not  abuse  it.  But  I  suppose  those  friends,  and  perhaps  others 
too,  felt  chafed  at  the  doings  of  the  General  Conference  in  the 
case  of  Bishop  Andrew ;  and  as  my  single  vote  contributed  to 
the  offensive  result,  I  must  bo  denounced  as  a  traitor  to  my 
constituents.  Well,  they  had  the  whole  matter  to  themselves,  to 
soy  and  resolve  what  they  pleased,  with  no  one  to  say,  '  Why  do 
ye  so  ?' 

"I  haveoftcn  regretted  that  it  was  Inexpedient,  on  account  of 
family  afflictions,  for  me  i  o  return  to  Texas  at  the  close  of  the  late 
General  Conference,  that  I  mifht  have  met  there  all  the  respon- 
sibility my  vote  in  the  case  involved;  but  not  having  this 
privilege,  I  will  just  say  to  those  friends.  Say  all  that  is  in  your 
hearts  in  regard  to  me,  and  my  vote  in  the  case  of  Blehop 
Andrew.  I  shall  not  be  offended.  I  know  your  situation,  and  I 
sympathize  with  you. 

"But  to  the  resolution  adopted  by  the  Conference.  The 
plain,  common-sense  import  of  that  resolution  I  conceive  to  be 
this: 

^^  First.  That  the  Texas  Conference,  in  December,  1848,  when 
I  was  elected  one  of  its  delegates,  had  a  full  understanding  of 
the  c  ie  of  Bishop  Andrew. 

^^  Secondly.  That  at  that  time  the  Conference  had  taken  its 


¥- 


HIS    DEFENSE. 


227 


position,  anil  formed  its  'views  and  sentiments'  in  regard  to  t1io 
wliole  matter  in  dispute. 

"  TJdrdly.  Tliat  these  views  and  sentiments  being  known  to 
me,  I  was  cliarged  with  representing  them  on  tlie  floor  of  tlio 
General  Conference. 

"Tliis  I  conceive  to  be  a  just  analysis  of  the  resolution. 
How  such  a  resolution  could  have  been  adopted  by  such  a 
body  of  pious,  thinking  men,  as  the  Texas  Conference,  is  to 
ino  perfectly  unaccountable.  The  Texas  Conference  understood 
the  case  of  Bishop  Andrew,  and  formed  its  'views  and  senti- 
ments' in  the  case  in  December,  1848.  How  preposterous  I 
But  all  this  is  positively  necessary  to  make  out  the  charge  of 
misrepresentation,  as  alleged  against  me;  for  that  Conference 
had  no  meeting  from  December,  1848,  until  January,  1845, 
several  months  after  my  vote  was  cast.  And  yet  I  am  charged 
with  having  'entirely  misrepresented  their  views  and  senti- 
ments.' Surelv  this  resolution  ^entirely  mierepresenW  the  truth 
in  the  case.  Not  that  the  Conference,  or  any  one  of  its  mem- 
bers, would  designedly  charge  me  falsely;  but  that  their  resolu- 
tion does  this  is  as  plain  as  the  sense  of  the  words  they  employ. 

"It  was  perfectly  iompetent  for  the  Conference,  had  they 
considered  it  necessai'y,  to  'Resolve  that,  as  the  sense  of  this 
Conference,  we  cannot  sustain  the  position  occupied  by  Rev. 
John  Clark,  one  of  the  delegates  to  the  late  General  Confer- 
ence, 1.1  his  vote  in  the  case  of  Bishop  Andrew.'  This  would 
have  been  a  plain  declaration  of  'views  and  sentiments'  a«  then 
formed^  and  no  exc3ptions  would  have  been  taken.  But  to 
charge  me  v/ith  'entirely  misrepresenting  their  views  and  sen- 
timents,' when,  as  a  conference,  they  had  no  views  in  the  case, 
and  could  not  instruct  me,  is  entirely  fallacious,  as  well  as  dis- 
courteous and  unkind. 

"  Those  brethren  well  knew  at  the  time  this  resolution  was 
adopted,  that  when  the  vote  was  called  for,  on  the  resolution 
of  Rev.  J.  B.  Finlev.  I  desired  to  be  excused  from  voting.    X 


I,irE    OF    BBV.    JOHK   CLARK. 


228  -  ,     , 

,„  excuse  me.    There  was,  there fin^  ^  ,  aWated; 

to  sta.d  »P  to  the  1-*"' ""^  ™^,t^lue  .  eo.ard,  hoyond 

„,..,.  It  'if^ -- :rrrh:":etor..ed  >.  >t,  ,.u. 
r:crw.--r:r ;i.-d. 

election  of  BlAop  An*"*-  ^^  ,„„  the  ground 

"Wr«!/.  Bishop  Andrew  havngdep  ^^^^  ^^^^^^^ 

i„  „g«d  to  ^'-'^o'f  °til  :tu^   ;:  Uon  to  «.,  in 
.nd  the  oeenpancy  of  w^ch J^ -  ^„,„,  i„  ,,^ 

preference  to  another   who  oo    P  ,^.,  j^^. 

Ltter;  I  say,  as  Bishop  Andre-    had  ^  ^^ 

tiou,  a  position  of  grave  conce  n  ,n  the  m   ^^  ^^^^^  ^^ 
fte  General  Conference  m  1M2,  ^  ^^,,.„g  „„ 

elected,  there  was,  i.  "f^  ™jt^4,,f  either  to  refrain  from 
H.,hoth  in  '^;;;:  t^i^  U  himseif  fro,,  eon- 
the  exercise  of  his  oduaj, 

nection  with  slavery.  presence,  among 

uf„.«,.  Bishop  Andrew  stated  »  ^^J  4  there 

other  things  hearing  on  *;^;-^;  ^  *  nferenci  that  wouid 
^ere  some  twenty-two  or  t''"^*^.,,  „,,,  t„em;  that  in 
„ot  submit  to  have  ".''-'^'"Ji.u  office,  as  he  could 
.iew  of  this,  he  w^  inch  «1  ^^^^^  ^^  ^  ^^  „,  the 
not  bear  the  thought  of  being  t  ^^^^  ^^^^^^  ^ 

Church.  The  last  sentence  wa,  utoe  ^^^  „„„,iaer«tion, 
,„ade  adeep  taP'-'""  """^Xd  when  I  voted  in  the  case, 
^ere  distinctly  P«-'  *°  "/^ws  of  my  conference,  for,  - 
rM^;:nnrsr.he  matter,  and  at  that  time  they 


HIS    DEFENSE. 


229 


• 


y  refused 
ft  mo  but 
,  aictatcd ; 
•d,  beyond 
rote,  1  was 

jperal  Oovi- 
y  its  pubUo 

it,  and  dis- 
Qlufttion  and 

1  the  ground 
vben  elected, 
»n  to  bim,  vj 
;round  in  vAw 
aged  bis  posi- 
a  majority  of 
aominated  and 
tion  resting  on 
to  refrain  from 
jself  froi'i  con- 

,rescnce,  among 
supposed  tbere 
,nce9  tbat  would 
I-  tbem ;  tbat  in 
ace,  as  be  could 
a  division  oi  tbe 
nucb  feeling,  and 
eae  considerations 
roted  in  tbe  case, 
onference,  for,  as 
at  tbat  time  tbey 


liad  scarcely  been  informed,  even  as  individuals,  of  the  point 
at  issue ;  nor  did  I  '  grossly  abuse  my  trust.'  No,  sir ;  I  repel 
tbe  cbarge. 

"But  wbat  was  so  peculiar  in  the  position  I  occupied,  that 
in  my  case  alone  tbere  has  been  formal  conference  action? 
Other  brethren  occupied  ground  equally  peculiar  and  isolated, 
iu  regard  to  their  conferences  and  their  colleagues.  Still  no 
conference  action  has  been  had,  no  formal  vote  of  censure  hna 
been  passed  in  regard  to  them.  Is  the  hated  abolition,  North 
and  "West,  more  liberal  and  magnanimous  than  tlio  'noble, 
liigh-minded  South  and  Southwest'  in  matters  of  this  nature? 
Who  shall  decide?  I  will  leave  it  for  the  scenes  that  have 
transpired  in  regard  to  Church  division,  since  July  last,  to  ren- 
der up  the  verdict. 

"But  is  there  not  a  cause?  Must  not  every  man  be  sus' 
pected  as  an  enemy,  as  grossly  abusing  or  disregarding  the  rights 
of  his  brethren,  who  dares,  in  the  councils  of  the  Church,  or 
in  tlio  halls  of  legislation,  to  utter  a  word,  or  do  an  act,  that 
shall  have  a  tendency  to  disturb  the  quiet  or  threaten  the 
permanence  of  'the  pecnilar  institution?'  Here  is  the  pinch. 
Aside  from  these  influences  and  fears,  I  am  cheerful  to  declare 
I  know  no  people  more  liberal  minded  or  cordial  in  their 
trefitment  to  all  well-accredited  strangers,  than  the  people  of 
lite  3outh  and  Southwest. 

•'■ '  'ith  an  expression  of  these  '  views  and  sentiments,'  I  take 

my  le've,  for  the  present,  of  my  Texas  brethren,  and  of  their 

singular  resolution.  ^. 

"Tours  truly, 

"John  Clark. 
"  Wbst  Potjltnbt,  Vt.,  Aprils  1846." 


"  1 


I  cannot  but  regard  this  repij  as  a  triumphant  de- 
fense of  himself  against  the  accusations  of  his  con- 
si  itaents  ;  and  if  they  have  seen  that  defense,  it  would 


'I 


-.   •ntfxr     TOHN    CLARK' 

!««,  nf  ti>e  points  involved 
seem  as  if  their  own  ^^  °^^^/^,i„„.  gtiUour 
„„.t  have  received  — ^'"^'^f,^  i„fl„enced,  to 
views,  both  North  and  Sou*, -n^  ^.^^^^^. 

some  extent,  by  onr  stand-pomts 
Btances  surrounding  them.  _.„„niary  loss  in 

Texas     I"  ;"'*^^;ii,,,^,helost  <l«ite  asum  by 
;:S:rottn:.    Hehadalitje.^^^^^^^^^^^^ 

,,  traveling  estab^— ;-t::l .  and  as  the 
credit.    Payment  has  n  ver  ^^^^  ^.^  ^^.^  ^.^ 

debt  is  outlawed  the.e  is  n        V  ^^^  ^.^^ 

and  be  nappy  ^     -a^.^f  receiving  tliemi 
can  the  creditors  witliout  receiving 


,i'ii ' 


# 


APPOINTED  TO  POULTNET  DISTRICT.     281 


involved 

Still  our 
lonced,  to 
xQ  circum- 

iary  loss  in 
jted  on  Ins 
;e  a  sum  by 
I  estate  and 
rere  sold  on 
;  and  as  tlie 
[lis  heirs  will 
tors  can  live 
i^c  claims,  so 


I*  I 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

■ 

LABORS    IN    THE    TROY    CONFERENCE. 

Poultney  District — Some  Chango  in  his  Stylo  of  Prcoching— Discur- 
Bivoness — Its  CauHOs — Often  preached  with  Power — A  Camp-meet- 
ing Sennon^ —  Hia  Ilorso  Btolon — Sensible  Reply — A  charactoristio 
Act  —  A  homely,  but  forcible  Illustration  —  Troy  District — Accepta- 
bility and  Usefulness  —  Letters  to  Rev.  Mr.  Bourne  —  Heterodoxy  in- 
ferred—Ilia  Explanations  —  Pledge  —  Recall  of  tho  Pledge  — Truth 
lies  between  Extremes  —  Labors  at  Hudson-street,  Albany — Devotion 
to  his  "Work — Not  largely  successful  —  Reasons — Mental  Attainmenta 
— A  Ibany  District — Faithftil  —  Devoted  —  Competent — Beloved. 

Mr.  Clark  left  New-York  on  the  adjournment  of  the 
General  Conference  in  1844,  and  came  directly  to  the 
Troy  Conference,  which  held  its  session  as  soon  as 
practicable  after  its  delegates  were  released  from 
duty.  He  was  received  with  the  utmost  cordiality, 
for  many  of  the  members  had  known  him  well  in 
former  years,  and  regarded  lum  as  a  valuable  acces- 
sion to  their  body.  He  was  appointed  presiding 
elder  of  Poultney  District,  and  soon  had  his  family 
pleasantly  located  in  the  village  of  "West  Poult- 
ney, "Vermont,  the  seat  of  tho  Troy  Conference 
Academy,  which  was  then  in  a  flourishing  con- 
dition, so  far  as  the  department  of  instruction  was 
concerned. 
He  entered  upon  his  work  with  his  usual  eamest- 


% 


LITE    OF    REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


r-;^;-i 


Vf  i 


';«;i| 


i  ' 


ness  and  clioorfulness,  and  was  well  received  on  all 
the  charges  in  his  district.  It  is  but  just  to  re- 
mark here,  as  it  is  intended  to  give  an  impartial  and 
truthful  account,  that,  in  some  respects,  ho  was  not 
exactly  what  he  had  been  in  former  years.  In  his 
piety,  devotion  to  his  work,  and  soundness  in  judg- 
ment there  was  no  failure,  no  decrease.  In  his  ur- 
banity and  courteous  Christian  deportment,  he  was 
all  he  had  ever  been ;  and  no  man  was  more  success- 
ful in  winning  the  respect  and  esteem  of  others.  It 
was  only  in  the  pulpit  that  he  appeared  to  the  least 
disadvantage,  when  compared  with  the  John  Clark 
of  earlier  years.  And,  surely,  this  was  a  comparison 
by  which  most  preachers  would  have  suffered.  But 
it  was  in  only  one  respect  that  there  was  any  indica- 
tion of  change  to  be  regretted.  He  had  acquired  the 
habit  of  discursiveness.  For  many  long  years  his 
fields  of  labor  had  been  large,  and  his  mind  had,  to 
some  extent,  shaped  itself  in  accordance  with  the  pe- 
culiar work  in  which  he  had  been  engaged.  On  this 
account  there  was  more  of  diffusiveness  than  of  con- 
densation in  his  sermons ;  and,  while  there  was  no 
lack  of  strength  or  warmth,  there  was  sometimes  a 
little  want  of  unity  and  point.  Still,  these  peculiarities 
were  not  of  sufficient  extent  to  constitute  any  valid 
objection  or  ground  of  complaint ;  and  his  visits  to 
his  charges  on  quarterly  meeting  occasions  were 
always  hailed  by  the  preachers  and  people  with  cord- 


I 


A    POWERFUL   SERMON. 


288 


I  on  aU 
t  to  I'o- 
•tial  and 
was  not 
In  h\» 

in  3^^^g" 
n  his  nr- 
t,  he  was 
•e  success- 
)ther8.    It 
3  the  least 
:ohn  Clark 
comparison 
:ered.    But 
any  indica- 
.cqnired  the 
r  years  his 
aindhad,  to 

with  the  pe- 
ed.   On  this 
than  of  con- 
here  was  no 
sometimes  a 
3  peculiarities 

ate  any  valid 
his  visits  to 
•casions  were 
pie  with  cord- 


ial delight,  and  they  proved  profitable  to  those  who 
attended.  * 

But  while  truth  requires  the  above  statements,  it  is 
also  due  to  the  reader  to  be  told  that  Mr.  Clark  not 
unfrequently  preached  with  the  unction  and  eftect  of 
Ills  best  days,  and  with  a  directness  and  unity  equal 
to  the  greatest  of  sermonizers.  There  was  one  dem- 
onstration of  his  power  and  excellence  as  a  preacher, 
which,  among  many  others,  will  show  that  he  could 
yet  excel.  A  verbal  account  has  been  given  me  by 
a  minister  who  was  present,  and  heard  the  sermon. 

At  a  camp-meeting  held  on  Poultney  District,  a 
sennon  was  preached  by  a  professor  from  a  certain 
literary  institution,  which  took  captive  the  whole 
assembly.  It  is  reprvosented  as  being  one  of  the 
greatest  and  best  they  had  ever  heard ;  beautiful  in 
structure,  lofty  in  conception,  convincing  in  argu- 
ment, and  almost  resistless  in  application.  Such  was 
the  effect  upon  the  preachers  present  that  no  one' 
could  be  induced  to  preach  the  next  sermon.  Each 
felt  sure  that  any  attempt  which  he  could  make 
would  be  a  comparative  failure,  and  hence  the  audi- 
ence would  suffer  loss.  In  this  peculiar  strait,  the 
preachers  importuned  the  presiding  elder  to  preach, 
and  their  united  petition  prevailed. 

His  sermon  was  nearly  two  hours  long,  and  the  in- 
terest increased  even  to  the  ond.  The  arrangement, 
the  argument,  the  illustration,  and  the  application 


% 


# 


-r 


234 


LIFE    OP  REV.   JOHN    CLARK. 


h    'r       ! 


wero  all  masterly.  Tho  attontion  was  arrested  and 
held,  the  judgment  convinced,  the  emotions  excited, 
the  holy  resolve  was  aided ;  and,  in  line,  tho  sermon 
produced,  in  an  eminent  degree,  tho  eftbct  which 
Gospel  preaching  anticipates.  Tlio  people  were  on 
their  Teet,  crowded  together,  on  either  hand  and  in 
front  of  the  stand,  with  their  faces  up-turned,  and  toara 
flowing,  utterly  unmindful  of  all  except  the  gracious 
words  which  flowed  from  the  preacher's  mouth.  And 
thus  they  were  held,  as  if  under  tho  power  of  fascina- 
tion, or  rather  of  Divine  influence,  while  tho  clear 
and  full  sound  of  the  speaker's  voice  went  ringing 
through  tho  forest  like  tjie  tones  of  a  trumpet.  No 
sermon  had  been  heard  in  that  region  which  would 
compare  with  this  for  thrilling,  mighty  effect.  None 
were  unmoved,  for  saints  and  sinners  felt  that  they 
had  an  interest  in  the  Gospel  message — ^the  great  sal- 
vation. Even  the  previous  sermon  was  comparatively 
forgotten,  and  the  increased  power  of  faith  in  tho 
Church,  together  with  the  deeper  conviction  of  sin- 
ners, rendered  it  easy  to  preach  during  the  continu- 
ance of  the  meeting.  Some  elderly  brethren  who  had 
known  the  preacher  in  former  years,  said,  "  That  is  a 
specimen  of  John  Clark  as  he  was  when  he  traveled 
Plattsburgh  District." 

While  on  a  visit  to  a  remote  circuit,  his  horso 
was  stolen  from  the  stable  in  the  night ;  and  neither 
horse  nor  thief  was  ever  found.    He  could  ill  afford  the 


VISIT   TO    YOUTHFUL    SCENES. 


286 


ed  and 
excited, 

sermon 
t  wliicU 
vroro  on 
1  and  in 
and  tears 
I  gracious 
ith.   And 
of  fascina- 

tlio  clear 
nt  ringing 
inpet.    Ho 
liich  would 
ect.    None 
t  tliat  they 
le  great  sal- 
mparatively 
faith  in  the 
Btion  of  sin- 

the  continu- 
irenwhohad 
a,  "That  is  a 

a  he  traveled 

lit,  his  horse 
•  and  neither 
dill  afford  the 


loss,  for  the  animal  was  a  valuable  one,  and  his  funds 
were  low.  Tliore  wore  a  few  persons  in  one  locality 
in  his  district  who  wore  strong  believers  in  mesmer- 
ism and  clairvoyance;  and  they  had  obtained  the 
services  of  a  silly  or  wicked  girl,  to  whom  they 
applied  as  often  as  they  desired  information  from  the 
place  of  shades.  One  Methodist  was,  for  a  time,  al- 
most a  believer  in  the  humbug ;  and  he  asked  Mr. 
Clark  why  did  he  not  apply  to  the  clairvoyant  for  in- 
formation concerning  the  whereabouts  of  his  hoi-se. 
And  he  received  the  following  sensible  and  pious 
answer :  "  Because  I  do  not  believe  in  employing  the 
devil  to  hunt  up  the  Lord's  property." 

While  on  this  district  he  visited,  in  the  dischar(^3 
of  his  official  duties,  the  scenes  of  his  youth ;  for  his 
Held  included  the  place  of  his  former  apprenticeship, 
and  the  locality  of  his  second  birth.  In  one  of  the 
circuits  he  held  quarterly  meetings  in  a  church, 
which  was  in  pirt,  at  least,  indebted  to  his  influence 
for  its  erection.  Many  years  before,  he  was  on  a 
visit  to  his  friends  in  that  place,  and  exerted  himself 
to  induce  the  people  to  build  a  house  of  worahip. 
Before  leaving,  the  enterprise  was  determined ;  and 
he  took  an  ax,  went  into  the  forest,  and  felled  the 
first  tre3  from  which  timber  was  taken  ^or  that  house 
of  God.  This  was  characteristic  of  the  man,  both  as 
to  desire  and  effort  for  the  promotion  of  the  cause  of 
Christ 


i» 


286 


LIFE    OP    REV.   JOHN  OLARR. 


i       ■  I 


'* 


ik- 


It  was  at  ono  of  hia  appoiiitinonts  on  tluB  iliHtrict 
tlmt  ho  used  an  illustration  which  tho  hoarors  cannot 
easily  forgot.  Ho  was  discoui'sing  on  tho  subject  of 
bonoficenco,  and  urging  Christians  to  do  good  with 
their  property  in  their  lifetime,  instead  of  deferring 
tho  matter  until  death,  and  by  will  devoting  their 
wealth  to  benevolent  purposes.  After  showing  that 
they  can  do  this  business  more  readily  and  surely 
themselves  than  by  their  executors,  and  may  also 
enjoy  tho  luxury  of  doing  good,  while  they  shall  be 
witnesses  of  the  happy  results  of  their  liberality,  he 
introduced  the  illustration. 

He  said  that  he  kne\  of  but  one  kind  of  domestic 
animal  that  was  wholly  useless  during  lifetime.  The 
horse  and  the  ox  perform  very  useful  labor ;  the  cow 
yields  her  milk,  the  sheep  her  fleece,  and  the  fowls 
their  eggs.  But  the  stimie  is  of  no  use  while  he  lives ; 
he  can  be  turned  to  no  account  until  he  is  dead  t 

The  illustration,  though  homely,  is  forcible,  and 
easy  of  application ;  and  let  him  who  ought  apply  it 
to  himself. 

Having  labored  two  years  in  this  field,  he  was  trans- 
ferred to  the  Troy  District,  which  at  that  time  was 
vacant.  Here  his  labors  were  highly  appreciated  dur- 
ing the  two  years  of  his  service.  While  nothing  of 
very  special  interest  occun-ed,  there  was  general  pros- 
perity, and  universal  satisfaction  with  him  who  was 
at  its  head.    Tliis  last  I  have  had  ample  opportimity 


f. 


LETTKlt    TO    MILTON    UoUUNK. 


287 


district 
cannot 
Dject  of 
od  witli 
iofcrring 
ng  tlioir 
ring  tliat 
id  Burely 
xnay  ft^so 
J  Bhall  be 
jrality,  lie 

i  domestic 
time.    The 
r ;  the  cow 
I  the  fowls 
lo  he  lives; 

dead  I 
)rcible,  and 
rht  apply  ^* 

le  was  trans- 
tat  time  was 
reciated  dur- 
e  nothing  of 
general  pros- 
him  who  was 
e  opportunity 


to  know.  His  name  Ih  IicUl  in  glad  romciitbranco, 
And  his  many  oxcolloncos  are  ot'tun  nientiouod  by  the 
people. 

While  hero,  as  well  as  at  other  times,  ho  corre- 
sponded with  his  old  associates  in  tlio  West,  and  in  tlio 
Indian  work.  I  have  been  favored  witli  some  letters 
which  were  written  to  Itev.  Milton  Bonnie,  who 
was  some  time  connected  with  him  in  the  mission 
work.  From  these  I  shall  give  some  extracts,  as 
specimens  of  familiar  epistolary  correspondence ;  and 
also  as  declarative  of  his  views  on  some  questions  of 
great  interest  at  the  time. 

"Dear  Brother  Bourne, — I  received  your  very 
kind  and  cheering  letter,  for  which  I  give  you  many 
thanks.  It  is  always  pleasant  to  hear  from  iny  old 
and  well-tried  friends;  and  to  correspond  with  you 
will  be  agreeable  to  me  at  uU  times. 

"I  was  happy  to  leani  that  you  were  saved  the 
disagreeable  necessity  of  putting  your  veto  on  Bishop 
Soule,  by  the  wise  arrangement  made  for  Bishop 
Morris  to  attend  your  conference.  But  the  Buckeyes 
stood  up  with  Boman  firmness.  They  positively  re- 
fused to  proceed  to  business  with  Bishop  Soule  in  the 
chair,  after  he  had  formally  given  in  his  adhesion  to 
the  Church,  South ;  stating  that  in  case  they  should 
organize  on  an  independent  basis,  he  should  be  happy 
to  reside  among  them,  and  exercise  the  episcopal 
prerogatives.     All  honor  to  the  'Buckeyes,'  whoso 


^%: 


\ 


288 


Lirii:    OF    KKV.   JOHN    CLAUJC. 


lit     t 


I..    I 


fionso  of  propriety  nnd  dif^nity  rovoltofl  ftt  tho  Idod 
of  otill  rcco^ni/iiig  liitn  as  ono  of  our  biHhopH,  lliin 
in  nH  it  hIiouUI  1)e,  nnd  tlio  liiHtory  of  tlio  fitturo  will 
applaud  tho  deed.  DiHliop  Houlo  Iuih  been  full  of 
pro-slavery,  or  rather  high  Houthorn  fueliiigB,  for  the 
laHt  twenty  ycarfl.    "Well,  lot  tho  South  have  him. 

"As  it  regards  tho  South  having  a  part  of  the 
capital  of  the  Book  Ooncem,  that  question  will  bo 
settled  by  another,  namely :  *  Are  they  a  coordinate 
branch  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  or  arc 
they  entirely  separate  from,  and  independent  of  tho 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  in  tho  United  States 
of  America  ?'  If  tho  former,  then  no  livision  of  tho 
property  is  called  for ;  thoy  can  sharo  in  tho  proceeds 
of  the  Concern  as  heretofore.  But  if  tho  latter,  then 
aro  they  a  secession  to  all  intents  and  purposes? 
editors,  doctore,  and  bishops  to  the  contrary  notwith- 
standing. And  if  a  secession,  then,  surely,  they  have 
forfeited  all  legal,  if  not  all  moral  or  equitable  claim. 
However,  I  hope  tho  next  General  Conference  will 
act  in  wisdom  and  righteousness  in  the  final  deteni.- 
ination  of  the  matter.  If  tho  approaching  Gen- 
eral Conference  of  the  Church,  South,  endoi-so  tho 
High  Church  notions  of  Dr.  Bascom,  in  regard  to  tho 
episcopacy,  and  his  ultra  views  as  to  tho  Scriptural 
character  of  American  slavery,  then,  indeed,  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  will  not  own  them  as  a 
legitimate  branch   of  the  great  Wesleyan  family. 


LUTTUll   TO    MILTON    UOUKNU. 


289 


0  *ulea 

full  of 

for  tlio 
him. 
t  of  tho 

^vill  bo 
jordinftto 
[i,  or  aro 
,nt  of  tho 
cd  States 
ion  of  the 
0  proceeds 
ivttor,  tliou 

pwrposeel 
py  iiotwith- 
,tlieybavc 
table  clahH. 
ference  Nvdl 
tnal  detcriu- 

cbhig   Go»^- 
endoi-ao  tbo 
regard  to  tbo 
10  Scriptural 
indeed,  the 
,vn  tliem  as  a 
eyan  family- 


You  hnvo  Hoon,  I  HUppoHo,  what  tlio  Britlwh  Coiifi'r- 
once  did  in  roforenco  t(>  one  of  tl»o  Soutliorn  uiiniMterf, 
wlio  dcHirod  a  Hoat  in  tlieir  late  l)o<ly  aH  a  Hpcctator. 
The  Lord  reigns ;  and  if  wo  leave  all  to  his  wise  and 
lioly  guidance,  being  faithful  to  our  truttt,  then  all 
will  bo  well. 

"  As  it  regards  my  return  to  Kock  Itiver  Conter- 
onco,  I  am  just  as  much  at  the  disposal  of  tho 
episcopacy  now,  as  when  I  M'ent  to  Green  Bay  in 
1832.  Yon  know  that  I  atn  at  Iionio  in  almost 
any  place  where  I  can  do  good.  I  rejoice  in  tho 
prospects  of  our  Church  iu  tho  West,  and  of  tho 
cause  of  8ou!id  education.  I  nupposo  your  seminary 
will  soon  be  out  of  debt.    Lord,  hasten  tho  timo. 

"Our  district  is  rather  on  tho  rise  in  spiritual 
things:  some  convei'sions,  some  backuliders  reclaimed, 
and  quito  a  numbor  have,  of  late,  professed  perfect 
love." 

Tho  allusions  to  certain  persons  and  questions,  in 
the  foregoing  extracts,  are  not  given  with  any  desire 
to  revive  unpleasant  recollections,  but  to  show,  as  is 
due,  tho  views  of  Mr.  Clark  in  tho  premises.  Tlio 
property  question  has  been  determined ;  but  on  prin- 
ciples entirely  new,  not  to  say  alarming,  in  American 
jurisprudence.    But  let  that  pass. 

Although  tho  Buckeyes  would  not  suifer  Bishop 
Soule  to  preside  over  them,  after  he  had  given  in  his 
adhesion  to  tho  Church,  South,  yet  he  finds  spirits 


f 


IV  J<  f 


l-'ti'  .!  " 


240 


LIFE    OP    REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


more  coiigonial;  and  it  is  hoped  that  his  tottering 
steps  may  bo  safely  directed  down  life's  declivity, 
and  that  sin  may  not  be  imputed  to  him. 

Anoth«'>r  letter  to  the  same  brother  contains  tho 
following :  ^, 

"  My  lonr^  silence  may  seem  to  indicate  that  my 
old  friends  are  forgotten,  or  less  appreciated  than 
in  former  years.  But  it  is  not  so ;  yet  to  give 
you  all  th'^  reasons  for  delay  would  fill  a  large 
portion  of  this  page.  Well,  let  them  pass  for  what 
they  are  worth,  and  imagine  any  number  you 
please,  such  as  a  busy  presiding  elder  might  offer. 

"I  rejoice  that  the  good  bishop  and  his  advisers 
have  counted  you  worthy  the  office  you  now  fill, 
and  trust  that  the  expectations  of  your  friends  will 
be  more  than  met,  in  the  success  that  shall  crown 
your  efforts  on  the  Ottawa  District.  I  tinist  you 
enjoy  much  comfort  in  the  work  in  which  you 
are  engaged. 

"  I  often  think  of  my  former  fields  of  labor,  and 
the  scenes  of  interest  connected  with  them,  as  well 
as  of  those  brethren  beloved  who  were  associated 
with  me  in  my  labors  in  the  West.  Those  yeai-s 
I  reckon  among  the  most  interesting  of  any  in  mj^ 
ministry.  But  they  aie  past,  ard  their  record  is 
gone  up  on  high.  It  would  afford  me  much  pleas- 
ure to  visit  those  parts  again;  e  .y,  ;ake  a  trip  to 
Lake  Superior,  to  Mackinaw,  Green  Bay;  and  so 


SU3PECTED    OF    HETERODOXY. 


241 


)ttermg 
aclivity, 


&XOB 


tbo 


that  VL\y 
ited  than 
L  to   give 
a  a  large 
s  for  what 
.mhcr   you 
gilt  offer, 
tiis  advisers 
)U  now  fillj 
friends  will 
shall  crown 
I  ti-ust  you 
which  you 

of  labor,  and 
[hem,  as  well 
3re  associated 
Those  yeai-s 
|of  any  iu  my 
leir  record  is 
[e  much  pleas- 
l;al5e  a  trip  to 
Bay,  an^  ®^ 


on,  down  South,  and  call  on  Rev.  Milton  Bourne. 
Yes,  it  would  be  a  treat  indeed.  But  when  shall 
i  enjoy  it?    Ah,  that  is  the  question. 

"Mrs.  Clark  often  talks  of  laying  her  bones 
somewhere  in  the  Rock  River  Conference;  and  if 
she  had  comfortable  health,  would  be  willing  again 
to  take  up  her  residence  in  a  log-cabin  for  the 
good  of  Israel.  We  know  what  frontier  scenes  are ; 
we  loved  them  once,  and  lovo  them  still. 

"  I  expect  to  reside  in  Troy  next  year,  if  I  re- 
tain the  district,  or  the  district  retains  me.  Well, 
Brother  Bourne,  I  love  religion  still.  I  enjoy  my- 
self well  in  the  work,  and  am  bound  for  the  port 
of  endless  rest." 

While  laboring  upon  this  district  he  was,  for  the 
only  time  in  his  life,  suspected  of  unsoundness  in 
doctrine.  There  were  some  among  us  who,  as  Mr. 
Wesley  said  of  others,  "  so  described  the  corruption 
of  heart  in  a  behever,  as  scarcely  to  allow  that  he 
has  dominion  over  it,  but  rather  is  in  bondage  to 
it,  and,  by  this  means,  they  left  hardly  any  dis- 
tinction between  a  believer  and  an  unbeliever."  To 
correct  this  error,  i.nd  arrest  the  tide  of  evils  which 
legitimately  flowed  from  it,  Mr.  Clark  preached  a 
sermon,  which  was  regarded  by  some  as  heterodox, 
and  the  passage  of  his  character  was  arrested  at 
the  next  session  of  the  Conference.  He  had  more 
copious  ?aotes  of  that  sermon  than  he  usually  pre- 

16 


LIFE    OF    REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


pared,  especially  on  tlie  point  in  dispute,  and  in 
delivering  the  discourse  he  was  careful  to  read  all 
*    that  portion. 

It  was  i'tated  and  aigaed  in  the  manuscript,  that 
all  the  elements  of  holiness  are  implanted  in  the 
regenerate  man;  and,  in  answer  to  the  question, 
whether  he  believed  that  any  sin  remains  in  the 
believer,  he  said,  "Taking  sin  in  accordance  with 
the  apostle's  description  of  the  *  carnal  mind,'  (enmity 
against  God,)  I  believe  it  does  not  remain  in  re- 
generate men." 

After  considerable  informal  skirmishing,  the  case 
was  dismissed,  on  his  giving  a  written  pledge  that 
he  would  not  teach  the  sentiment,  which  was  ex- 
cepted to  by  his  brethren;  and  at  the  next  session 
of  the  Conference  he  withdrew  his  pledge,  and  had 
his  withdrawal  entered  upon  the  journal.  He  chose 
to  be  like  his  brethren,  free  from  special  pledges, 
but  responsible  to  the  Conference  for  his  future 
course. 

Extremes  beget  extremes,  and  on  this  principle 
many  good  men  have  been  repelled  too  far.  But, 
with  his  explanations  and  definitions,  how  far  was 
he  from  the  truth?  Are  not  all  the  elements  of 
holiness  implanted  in  the  regenerate  soul?  How 
many,  and  which  ones,  are  withheld?  Does  real 
"enmity  against  God'*  dwell  in  the  believer?  It 
is  true,  as  Mr.  Wesley  says,  "The  state  of  a  justi- 


STATIONED    IN    ALBANY. 


243 


,  and  in 
read  a^^ 

sript,  that 
ed  in  the 
,  question, 
ins  in  tlie 
aance  witU 
id,'  (enmity 
main  in  re- 

ng,  the  case 
pledge  that 
hich  was  ex- 
next  session 
,dge,  and  had 
3^1.    He  chose 
,ecial  pledges, 

for  his  future 

id 

this  principle 
too  far.  But, 
s,  how  far  was 

^e  scul?     How 

lid?     1^0®^  ^"^^^ 
le  believer?    It 
stateof  a4uBti- 


fied  person  is  inexpressibly  glorious;"  yet  a  state 
of  entire  sanctification  "exceeds  in  glory."  And 
they  who  describe  the  justified  man  as  a  wretched 
sinner,  err  as  really  and  as  injuriously  as  do  they 
who  include  in  a  justified  state  entire  purity  from 
inbred  sin.  The  first  error  leads  many  to  suppose 
themselves  justified  when  thoy  ought  to  be  under 
conviction,  like  other  sinners ;  and  it  induces  many 
to  think  they  are  wholly  sanctified,  when  they  are 
again  forgiven,  and  restored  to  a  justified  state. 

At  the  close  of  Mr.  Clark's  second  year  on  the 
Troy  District,  the  officiary  of  Hudson-street  Station, 
in  the  city  of  Albany,  importunately  asked  for  his 
services,  and  he  was  appointed  to  that  charge  in 
1848,  where  he  continued  two  years.  The  author 
was  stationed  in  that  city  durinf  'lie  same  time, 
and  had  very  good  opportunities  ol  'ocominc;  well 
acquainted  with  him.  Those  yepi3  were  nof  among 
the  happiest  ones  which  he  had  known.  He  made 
no  complaint  against  the  society  or  the  official  Board, 
and  there  was  no  cause  of  complaint.  He  was  sus- 
tained and  beloved,  but  was  not  very  successful. 
The  truth  is,  he  was  not  exactly  adapted  to  that 
station;  and  he  told  the  bishop  in  council,  that  he 
was  not  the  man  for  that  kind  of  work;  that  his 
life  had  been  a  rambling  one  for  the  last  twenty 
years,  and  his  preaching  had  been  as  rambling  as 
his  life.     He  expressed  his  conviction  that,  when 


il.> 


>'    t 


|!i!lf':f  I 


!,i  :i 


LIFE    OF    REV.    JOHN    CLAIIK. 

he  should  lea\o  the  district,  ho  ought  to  have  a 
good-sized  circuit  to  work  back  upon.  lie  hud 
been  accustomed  to  the  Inaian  country,  the  great 
lakes,  the  broad  prairies  of  the  West,  and  extensive 
districts  in  various  portions  of  the  work;  and  to 
contract  his  range  of  thought,  to  condense  and  com- 
bine, so  as  to  conform  to  the  tastes  and  wants  of  a 
city  congregation,  to  which  he  must  hold  forth  two 
and  three  times  each  Sabbath-day,  was  difficult, 
and,  perhaps,  impossible  for  him ;  at  least  this  could 
not  be  done  suddenly,  under  the  circumstances, 
and  yet  allow  him  to  enjoy  a  sense  of  freedom 
from  mental  and  spiritual  embarrassment. 

No  man  was  ever  more  laborious  or  faithful, 
and  none  was  better  calculated  to  promote  the 
financial  interests  of  the  Church,  and  every  branch 
of  enterprise  felt  his  sk'".iul  hand,  and  shared  in 
his  fostering  care.  Ke  was  also  faithful  as  an 
administrator  of  discipline,  and  watched  over  his 
flock  with  all  the  care  and  solicitude  of  a  good 
shepherd.  He  was  a  kind,  yet  firni  atuninislrative 
officer,  and  kept  the  society  in  a  sound  and  healthy 
state.  He  believed  that  the  minister  who  expels 
the  greatest  number  from  the  Church  is  not  the 
best  administrator;  but  rather  the  one  who  saves 
the  greatest  number  without  scandal  to  the  Church. 

His  labor  was  not  in  vain,  for  some  souls  were 
given  him  as  seals  of  his  ministry ;  and  the  piety  of 


MENTAL    ATTAINMENTS. 


245 


have  ft 
lie  luid 
bo  gi^eat 
axtensive 
•  and  to 
and  com- 
^ants  of  a 
forth  two 
3  difficult, 
,  this  could 
jumstances, 
of  freedom 

or  faithful, 
promote   the 
very  branch 
id  sharecl  in 
ithful   as  an 
led  over  his 
e  of  a  good 
uuninisitative 
and  healthy 
r  who  expels 
.li  is  not  the 
,ne  who  sa/oes 
■0  the  Church. 
^Q  souls  were 
id  the  piety  of 


the  Church  had  evidently  increased.  He  left  many 
strong  friends  in  that  station;  and  it  is  believed 
he  made  not  a  single  enemy.  His  influence  was  folt 
in  the  community  for  good,  and  ho  'vas  univei*sally 
respocted.  Tlie  nobleness  of  his  bearing  and  the 
gener  sity  of  his  heart,  caused  one  to  remark  face- 
tiously, that  if  he  should  over  have  an  enlargement 
of  the  heart  it  would  surely  kill  him,  for  it  was  now 
as  largo  as  ho  could  contain. 

It  was  during  those  two  years  that  the  writer 
became  acquainted  with  Mr.  Clark's  mental  attain- 
ments, which  were  very  respectable.  His  knowledge 
of  the  English  language  was  thorough,  though  he  had 
never  acquired  any  other.  He  was  well  read  in  men- 
tal and  moral  science ;  had  a  very  good  knowledge 
of  Natural  Philosophy,  Ancient  and  Modem  History, 
and  Geography ;  had  carefully  studied  Church  His- 
tory and  Tlieology ;  and  kept  himself  well  posted  in 
relation  to  tho  events  and  men  of  the  times,  as  well 
in  other  countries  as  in  our  own. 

At  the  expiration  of  his  legal  term  in  Hudson- 
street,  ho  was  put  in  charge  of  Albany  District,  on 
which  he  labored  two  years;  and  as  the  presiding 
elder  was  located  in  the  city  of  Schenectady,  and  tho 
writer  was  stationed  there,  we  were  near  neighbors 
during  two  more  yeare  of  our  ministry.  Tliose  yeare 
served  to  bind  our  hearts  still  more  closely  in  the 
bonds  of  Christian  friendship.     Never  were  there, 


'il-MM 


i:  m 


LIPE    OP    REV.  JOHN    CLARK. 


perhaps,  two  ministers,  who  were  not  related  by 
family  ties,  who  were  more  familiar  and  unrestrained 
in  their  social  intercourse ;  and  it  is  but  simple  justice 
to  say,  that  he  was  one  of  the  most  agreeable  and 
interesting  Christian  companions  that  I  have  ever 
found. 

As  in  all  his  fields  of  labor,  so  in  this,  ho  was 
respected  and  esteemed.  Every  interest  of  the 
Church  was  supervised  in  duo  season,  and  with 
eflficiency.  "No  toil  was  considered  too  great,  and 
no  sacrifice  too  dear,  for  the  prosperity  of  the 
Church.  He  was  one  of  tlie  best  chairmen  in 
quarterly  conferences  that  I  have  ever  known.  He 
seemed  bom  to  command  without  appearing  to  exert 
himself  to  govern.  It  was  easy  and  natural  for  him 
to  preserve  order,  both  day  and  night,  at  camp- 
meetings,  where  some  "lewd  fellows  of  the  baser 
sort"  are  apt  to  congregate.  His  appearance  and 
manner  seemed  to  inspire,  even  in  such  persons,  a 
conviction  that  "discretion  is  the  better  part  of 
valor." 

We  all  loved  the  man;  and  when,  at  the  end 
of  two  years  on  the  Albany  District,  he  took  a 
transfer  to  the  Rock  River  Conference,  we  realized 
our  loss,  and  could  acquiesce  in  the  arrangement  only 
on  the  ground  of  equality;  being  willing  that  his 
valuable  services  should  be  enjoyed,  in  part,  by 
other  portions  of  our  common  Zion. 


:M 


STATIONED    IN   CHICAGO. 


247 


jlatod  T^y 
restrained 
plo  justice 
ioable  and 
have  ever 

lis,  lio  was 
B8t    of   tlic 
,  and  with 
,  great,  and 
>rity  of  tlio  '. 
jbairmen   in 
known.    Ho 
iring  to  exert 
Ltural  for  b^^ 
;ht,  at  camp- 
of  the  baser 
)pearance  and 
ich  persons,  a 
)etter  part  of 

n,  at  the  end 
^ct,  he  took  a 
cc,  we  realized 
.•angementonly 
willing  that  his 
d,  in  part,  hy 


CHAPTER  XX. 

STATIONED  IN  CHICAGO- -SICKNESS  — DEATH. 

Transferred  to  Kook  River  Conforcnco  — Adaptation— EftHtmul  West  — 
Growth  in  Groco  —  His  Influence  —  Biblical  Institute  —  Mrs.  Garrett  — 
Difference  of  Opinion — Anecdote  —  His  Siekncas  and  Death  —  Letter 
iVom  Dr.  Bartlott — His  Funeral  Services. 

As  stated  at  the  close  of  tlio  former  chapter,  Mr. 
Clark  was  transferred  to  the  Rock  River  Conference 
in  1862.  This  was  done  at  the  earnest  and  importu- 
nate request  of  several  leading  members  of  that  con- 
ference, who  had  known  him  intimately  in  former 
years;  and  it  proves  that  they  regarded  him*  as  a 
man  of  no  ordinary  qualifications,  a  valuable  acquisi- 
tion to  their  body. 

Having  made  his  arrangements,  visited  some  of  the 
family  connections,  and  taken  leave  of  many  warm 
friends  in  the  Troy  Conference,  he  arrived  in  Illinois 
in  time  to  take  an  appointment,  and  enter  upon  his 
work  at  the  close  of  the  session  of  the  above-named 
conference.  His  appointment  was  Clark-street  Sta- 
tion, Chicago;  the  largest  and  most  responsible 
station  in  the  city,  and  perhaps  in  the  Conference. 
He  entered  upon  his  work  like  one  whose  youth  and 
commission  were  both  renewed;  and  it  is  believed  that 


LIFE    OF    REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 

ho  hatl,  at  no  period  of  his  life,  been  more  efficient 
or  useful  in  his  ministry.  Tlie  field  of  labor  and 
the  endowments  of  the  laborer  were  happily  adapted 
to  each  other.  For  though  this  was  a  city  station,  it 
was  a  Western  one ;  and  while  it  may  bo  difficult  to 
define  the  difierenco  between  a  station  in  the  East  and 
one  in  the  West,  it  will  not  bo  denied  that  character- 
istic differences  exist. 

In  point  of  general  intelligence,  it  is  believed  tliat 
neither  can  envy  nor  despise  the  other ;  it  is  not  in 
tliis  that  they  differ.  But  in  the  West  there  is  more 
of  energy,  of  restless  activity ;  more  of  length  and 
breadth ;  there  is  a  vastness,  a  magnitude,  which  in 
the  East  is  unmeasured  and  unknown.  Tlie  rapidity 
of  the  growth  of  Western  cities  and  towns,  with  the 
attendant  spirit  of  enterprise  ana  progress  every- 
where visible  in  that  region,  may  be  regarded  as 
prominent  traits,  which  distinguish  it  from  the  East. 
"Young  America"  has  made  his  footprints  in  the 
soil,  and  stamped  his  image  upon  the  institutions, 
and  breathed  his  i^pint  into  the  minds  and  hearts  of 
the  West.  And  Mr.  Clark,  although  his  head  bore 
some  of  the  "blossoms  of  the  almond-tree,"  yet  re- 
tained  the  warmth  and  glow  of  youth,  and  was 
furnished  with  a  largeness  of  comprehension,  and  a 
breadth  of  design,  in  harmony  with  the  aspirations 
of  the  Western  masses.  And  if  there  was  an  ampli- 
tude and  discursiveness  in  his  ministrations,  which 


HI8  EPnCIENOT  AND  PAITnFULNrSP.  249 


)  efficient 
abov  and 
^  adapted 
station,  it 
difficult  to 
0  East  and 
cliaracter- 

5lieved  that 
it  is  not  in 
,ere  is  more 
length  and 
ie,  which  in 
Tlie  rapidity 
ms,  with  the 
igress  every- 
regarded  as 
•om  the  East, 
prints  in  the 
0  institutions, 
iiid  hearts  of 
liis  head  bore 
|-tree,"  yet  re- 
ath,   and  was 
lension,  and  a 
the  aspirations 
■was  an  amph- 
•ations,  which 


to  some  compressed  Orientals  would  appear  objection- 
able, these  were  exactly  in  keeping  with  the  viv^ws 
and  preferences  of  the  enlarged  Occidentals. 

In  all  the  relations  which  he  sustained  to  the  people 
of  his  charge,  and  to  the  Church,  Mr.  Clark  was  botli 
faithful  and  beloved.  His  public  ministrations  were 
considered  as  of  a  high  order,  above  the  ordinary 
range,  and  were  more  than  acceptable  to  the  largo 
numbers  who  waited  upon  his  ministry.  Every  insti- 
tution of  tliD  Church  was  remembered  in  its  season, 
and  its  designs  aided  and  advanced  by  his  efficient 
cooperation.  In  his  pastoral  work  he  was  faithful 
and  skillful.  His  intercourse  with  his  people  in  their 
families  was  marked  by  kindness,  sympathy,  and  ur- 
banity, which  always  rendered  him  the  welcome 
guest  in  every  house.  Especially  was  ho  the  com- 
forter of  the  afflicted  and  bereaved ;  to  them  his 
presence  and  his  prayera  were  as  balm  to  their  bleed- 
ing hearts. 

It  is  probable  that  at  no  period  in  his  life  had 
his  religious  state  been  better  than  while  laboring  at 
Clark-street.  He  was  growing  in  grace,  and  "  abound- 
ing in  love  yet  more  and  more."  A  brother  who  had 
known  him  in  the  East,  having  occat'^^n  to  pass 
through  Chicago,  called  on  Mr.  Clark,  and  spent  an 
afternoon  in  familiar  intercourse.  On  his  return,  he 
mentioned  to  the  writer  his  happy  r ocoUections  of 
that  most  eminently  reUgimia  visit.    This  report  was 


I 


250 


LIFE   OF    REV.    JOHN   CLARK. 


I'  fl 


t^: ,'"  kill 


li 


• 


mado  while  Mr.  Clark  was  in  good  hoalth,  and,  of 
course,  without  any  roforenco  to  his  early  departure 
from  his  friends  and  his  labors. 

During  the  suinmor  of  1864,  which  wos  that  in 
which  ho  loft  us  for  a  higher  position,  the  cholera 
prevailed  extensively  in  the  city  and  among  his  own 
people ;  and  this  circumstance  made  heavy  demands 
upon  him  for  pastoral  labor.  In  that  work  he  was 
^^  instant  in  season  and  out  of  season,"  hastening  to 
point  the  sick  and  dying  to  the  only  Saviour,  and  to 
ol)ey  the  apostolic  injunction,  and  weep  with  those 
that  wept.  No  doubt  there  are  many  who  will  always 
remember  with  gratitude  and  profit,  the  timely  and 
kind  condolences  and  counsels  of  that  affectionate 
pastor. 

I  am  assured  by  a  minister  in  Chicago,  that  Mr. 
Clark  was  not  only  respected  and  esteemed  by  his 
brethren  in  the  ministry  there,  but  that  he  was  re- 
garded as  the  chief  counselor,  in  whoso  judgment 
they  could  safely  confide,  and  whose  advice  was 
sought  in  every  important  enterprise.  While  his  own 
charge  received  his  first  attention  and  regard,  he  was 
yet  earnestly  solicitous  for  the  prosperity  of  the  whole 
Church  in  which  he  was  a  minister;  and  every 
measure  which  promised  to  aid  it  in  its  holy  purposes 
received  his  sanction  and  cooperation.  Nor  was  his 
desire  for  usefulness  confined  within  those  bounds. 
He  was  ready  for  every  good  word  and  work  by 


OARRETT   BTBLIOAT.    INflTITUTK.        251 


1,  and,  of 
departure 

18  that   in 
iie  cholera 
ig  his  own 
'y  domandB 
ork  he  was 
laBtoning  to 
iour,  and  to 
)  witli  those 
)  will  always 
3  timely  and 
,  affectionate 

go,  that  Mr. 
cmed  by  his 
it  he  was  ro- 
3S0  judgment 
advice  was 
While  his  own 
•ogard,  he  w^as 
y  of  the  whole 
r;  and  every 

holy  purposes 
Hor  was  his 

those  hounds. 

and  work  by 


which  the  bofit  IntorofltH  of  the  commnnity  could  ])o 
promoted.  He  was  a  true  philantliropint,  and  the 
world  was  none  too  wide  for  his  do«ires,  nor  the  race 
too  numerous  or  varied  for  liis  eympathies.  Were 
they  white,  red,  or  black,  their  wants  and  wooh 
found  a  ready  response  in  the  throbbings  of  his  groat 
heart. 

It  ought  to  1)0  known,  that  the  "Biblical  Institute" 
at  Evanston,  near  Chicago,  is  somewhat  indebted  to 
the  Kev.  John  Clark  for  its  existence.  Mrs.  Eliza 
Garrett,  a  wealthy  widow  of  a  late  mayor  of  Chicago, 
was  a  member  in  Mr.  Clark's  charge.  This  excellent 
Christian  lady  formed  the  noble  purpose  of  leaving 
a  large  property  to  some  worthy  institution  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  the  avails  of  which 
should  be  appropriated  to  aid  our  young  ministers  in 
acquiring  the  desired  educational  qualifications  for 
their  high  and  holy  work.  Tin's  lady  consulted  her 
pastor,  and  sought  his  advice  in  relation  to  the  object 
and  mode  of  her  beneficence ;  and  through  his  ad- 
vice and  influence  the  "Garrett  Biblical  Institiite" 
was  founded,  with  an  endowment  by  that  noble 
woman,  of  one  hundred  thousand  dollars!  Both  the 
founder  of  this  Institute  and  her  adviser  have  gone 
to  the  world  of  rewards ;  but  the  Institute  will  live  to 
bless  its  thousands,  even  in  coming  generations,  and 
it  is  fitting  that  both  their  names  should  be  held  in 
veneration. 


LIFE   OP   REV.    JOHN    OLARK. 


.'f.ll 


rl 


h\i\^ 


1. 1 


Tlicro  may  bo,  nnd  m,  n  illtloronco  of  opinion  among 
good  inoii  and  miniHtora  in  our  Ciiurcli  in  relation  to 
tliu  utility  ofHuch  InstitutionH  ;  and  tho  writer  IiaH  no 
duMiro  to  ontor  upon  tho  diHcuuMion  of  tlio  Nubjoct. 
Huch  diflcuHsion  \n  not  in  placo  in  thin  work.  HutHco 
it  to  say,  that  Mr.  Clark  was  tho  Htoady  friend  of 
education  during  liis  wliolo  lifo,  and  that  ho  had 
largo  oxperionco  in  tho  etruggloH  of  a  youthful  mind 
thirsting  for  knowledge,  with  nono  to  aid  him,  none 
to  open  tho  fountain,  and  conduct  him  thither.  IUa 
sharo  in  securing  to  tho  West  tho  above-named  insti- 
tute, is  at  least  ovidenco  of  his  strong  dosiro  for  tho 
mental  improvement  and  efficiency  of  tho  ministry 
of  our  Church ;  and  it  is  for  tho  purporto  of  showing 
this  that  tho  facts  are  recorded. 

Tliero  is  no  doubt  that  such  institutions  may  fail  to 
bo  useful ;  nay,  that  they  may  become  injurious.  But 
that  they  mustf  or  willj  prove  hurtful,  is  more  assump- 
tion, with  no  proof  or  probability  to  sustain  it.  Tho 
writer  was  once  in  company  with  several  doctors  and 
other  divines,  with  only  Rev.  John  Clark  and  him- 
self as  tho  representatives  of  Methodism.  Tlio  doctor 
.  w^ho  took  tho  lead  in  converaation,  was  at  tho  head 
of  one  of  the  old  colleges  in  the  empire  state ;  and 
this  same  doctor  had,  but  a  few  days  previously,  ob- 
jected to  all  Methodist  colleges  and  schools.  Ho 
regarded  it  as  our  solo  business  to  get  tho  people  con- 
verted, and  pass  them  over  to  others  to  be  educated ! 


T 11 K 01.0010 A  L    SCHOOLS. 


258 


on  ninoDg 
relation  to 
iter  hftH  no 
\o  Hu\>joct. 
i,     Hutttco 
y  friend  of 
lat  ho  bftd 
iithfnl  mind 
I  \m\,  nono 
iiithor.    Hift 
named  insti- 
osiro  for  tho 
tho  minislry 
5  of  Bbowing 

IS  may  fail  to 
ijurious.   But 
mere  assump- 
Btainit.    Tho 
al  doctors  and 
ark  and  him- 
Tlio  doctor 
as  at  tho  head 
^iro  state;  and 
previously,  ob- 
schools.    Ho 
ihe  people  con- 
bo  educated! 


k. 


lie  wnM  luiMWored  Honiowlmt  uh  ho  deHorvod  to  bu 
nnswero<l,  an<l  hocunio  Hilent.  Hut  on  tliitt  latter  oc- 
ciiHion  he  chose  to  doiil  U)mh  at  lohnUmle  in  his  ohjec* 
tionM  to  MetliodJMt  Hchoolrt,  and  Haid: 

*'  Mr.  Clark,  I  think  your  people  aro  niakinp;  a 
mistake  in  0Htabli8hinf<  theological  bcIiooIh;  their 
resultrt  will  not  bo  beneficial  to  tho  niinintry  and 
tho  Church." 

Mr.  Clark  replied :  "  I  know  not  on  what  ground 
you  base  your  couclueions,  unless  it  bo  on  tho  expo- 
rienco  of  your  own  denomination  in  tho  premises." 

"  That  is  it,"  said  tho  doctor ;  "  wo  made  better 
ministers  before  wo  had  such  schools  than  wo  have 
made  since.  In  putting  thorn  through  tho  theologi- 
cal couno,  wo  havo  put  some  things  into  them 
which  ought  to  be  loft  out,  and  taken  out  souiO 
which  ought  to  be  left  in." 

"I  do  not  doubt  that,"  replied  Mr.  Clark;  "but 
we  intend  to  avoid  those  evils,  if  wo  can ;  and  with 
the  experience  of  your  denomination,  both  to  warn 
and  guide  us,  we  think  wo  can  succeed." 

This  silenced  the  doctor,  and  the  conversation 
took  another  turn. 

But,  in  the  midst  of  his  usefulness  and  activity, 
the  destroyer  came,  and  his  work  was  finished  I  IIo 
had  erected  a  house  at  Aurora,  about  forty  miles 
from  Chicago,  and  his  family  had  gone  there  to 
reside;  and  to  tliat  place  he  doubtless  looked,  as 


I II 


1.1 


'I. 


■mm 


f^ :  I 


mil 


254  LIFE    OF    KEY.    JOHN    CLARK. 

to  a  retreat,  when  his  years  of  active  labor  should 
terminate. 

Ilev.  J.  "W.  Agard  lias  kindly  furnished  some 
statements,  from  which  the  following  account  is 
gathered.  Mr.  Agard  was  the  pastor  of  the  church 
at  Aurora,  and  witnessed  the  death  of  Mr.  Clark 
at  that  place. 

On  the  last  Monday  in  June,  1854,  Mr.  Clark 
met  the  trustees  of  Mount  Morris  Seminary  at 
Mount  Morris,  in  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Board. 
Such  was  the  embarrassed  financial  condition  of  the 
seminary,  and  such  its  pressing  liabilities,  that  it 
was  necesijary  to  hold  a  night  session  of  the  Board, 
as  well  to  devise  means  for  the  relief  of  the 
seminary,  as  to  enable  the  clerical  members  to 
reach  their  charges  before  the  following  Sabbath. 
Mr.  Clark  was  chairman  of  the  meeting,  which 
continued  through  the  whole  of  Thuraday  night. 
Though  he  was  then  suffering  under  primary  symp- 
toms of  cholera,  and  was  often  advised  to  retire 
and  take  a  little  rest,  yet  he  constantly  declined, 
and  remained  at  his  post  imtil  daylight,  and  by 
his  suggestions  and  plans  showed  his  deep  interest 
in  the  condition  and  prospects  of  the  institution. 

At  an  early  hour  on  Friday  morning,  June  30th, 
in  company  with  Rev.  Messrs.  Watson,  Agard,  and 
Judson,  he  took  the  stage  for  Rockford,  twenty- 
four  miles,  on  his  way  to  Chicago.    This  ride  was 


ATTACKED    WITH    CHOLERA. 


256 


r  should 

ed  some 
jcount  is 
Le  churcli 
^r.  Clark 

Mr.  Clark 
(iiinary   at 
the  Board, 
tion  of  the 
ies,  that  it 
the  Board, 
Lief  of  the 

lembers  to 
ig  Sabbath, 
ting,  which 

jday  night, 
[mary  symp- 

jd  to  retire 
by  declined, 

rht,  and  by 

leep  interest 

jtitntion. 

;,  June  30th, 
Agard,  and 

ford,  twenty- 
ais  ride  wa« 


in  the  heat  of  a  June  day,  and  very  fatiguing. 
From  Rockford  he  took  the  cars  for  Chicago,  where 
lie  arrived  the  same  evening,  and  sent  word  to  his 
wife  at  Aurora  that  he  would  visit  her  tlie  next 
week. 

He  preached  as  usual  on  Sunday,  July  2d,  but 
with  considerable  fatigue,  and  rested  on  Monday 
and  Tuesday.  On  Wednesday  and  Thursday  he 
attended  to  his  pastoral  work,  which  had  become 
very  arduous,  on  account  of  the  prevalence  of  the 
cholera,  and  on  this  account  he  gave  up  his  pur- 
pose of  visiting  his  family;  but  on  Friday  morn- 
ing his  Mends  and  physician  induced  him  to  rest 
a  few  days  at  Aurora.  He  was  much  wearied  by 
the  ride  in  the  cars,  and  kept  himself  quiet  on 
Saturday.  On  the  Sabbath  he  appeared  improved, 
and  the  family  attended  church;  after  which  he 
requested  his  son  to  write,  at  his  dictation,  a  sketch 
which  he  had  meditated,  on  "  Occupy  till  I  come." 
This  was  liis  last  sermon,  and  how  literally  did  he 
obey  the  command! 

On  Monday  morning  Rev.  Mr.  Agard  called  to 
see  him,  and  had  a  long  and  pleasant  conversation 
in  relation  to  the  interests  of  the  Church  in  Chicago, 
and  the  conference  generally.  Though  he  still  had 
cholera  symptoms,  he  expressed  his  purpose  to  re- 
turn to  his  work  in  a  few  days.  In  the  evening 
Mrs.  Agard,  the  wife  of  the  pastor^  visited  him, 


% 


'  1. 1 .1 


i 


4t 


256 


LIFE    OF    KEV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


« 


# 


M 


and  found  him  remarkably  cheerful,  yet  urged  him 
not  to  return  to  the  city  until  he  should  fully 
recover,  as  the  cholera  was  so  prevalent.  He  re- 
plied: "O,  sister,  I  have  no  fears  of  cholera,  and 
I  want  to  be  at  the  prayer-meeting  on  "Wednesday 
evening." 

He  rested  well  on  Monday  night,  but  on  Tuesday 
morning  the  cholera  attack  became  very  violent. 
A  physician  was  called,  who  remained  during  the 
day.  The  disease,  at  first,  appeared  to  yield,  so 
that  by  noon  he  was  apparently  out  of  danger. 
But  soon  there  was  an  alarming  change,  cramps 
seized  him,  attended  with  extreme  pain,  which 
lasted  two  or  three  hours.  Ho  now  saw  the  im- 
portance of  arranging  his  temporal  affairs,  and 
with  much  effort  dictated  his  will,  by  whispering 
a  sentence  at  a  time.  This  occupied  nearly  two 
hours,  and  the  effort  produced  great  weariness. 

When  it  was  remarked  to  him  that  his  work 
was  nearly  done,  he  quoted  the  oft-repeated  and 
truthful  words,  "God  takes  away  his  workmen, 
but  carries  on  his  work."  He  rested  for  a  little 
time  in  silence,  and  then  calling  his  only  son, 
he  said,  "My  son,  I  want  you  to  be  a  scholar, 
a  Christian,  a  dutiful  son,  and  a  kind  brother  to 
little  Emma."  This  is  an  adopted  daughter  whom 
they  found  in  Troy,  N.  Y.,  and  took  with  them  to 
the  West.     In  reply  to  questions  asked  by  Brother 


'^ 


HIS   PEACEFUL    DEATH. 


267 


irged  him 
)iild  fully 
.     He  re- 
lolera,  and 
Wednesday 

on  Tuesday 

jry  violent. 

during  the 

Lo  yield,  so 
of  danger.  " 

ttge,  cramps 

pain,   which 

saw  the  im- 
affairs,   and 
whispering 
nearly  two 

wariness. 

^at  his  work 
repeated  and 

^is  workmen, 

for  a  little 

^is  only  son, 

>e  a  scholar, 

id  brother  to 

[lighter  whom 

with  them  to 

Id  by  Brother 


Agard,  he  said,   "It  is  all  peace;  I  love  God,  I 
love  the  Church,  I  love  all  men." 

At  eight  o'clock  P.  M.,  a  friend  arrived  from  the 
East,  whom  he  at  once  recognized,  and  inquired 
after  her  welfare.  Ho  then  desired  the  pastor  to 
lead  in  prayer  once  more,  saying,  "If  there  is  no 
change  for  the  better  in  an  hour,  I  shall  be  in 
the  spirit-land."  He  jo'ned  fervently  in  the  devo- 
tions, turned  on  his  left  side,  placiijg  3iis  hand  un- 
der his  head,  took  an  affectionate  lea^e,  severally, 
of  his  family  and  friends,  and  calmly  resigned  his 
spirit  to  his  God, 

"And  ceased  at  once  to  work  and  live." 

The  following  infonnation  is  contained  in  a  letter 
to  Mrs.  Clark,  from  aJr.  Bartlett,  the  physician  who 
attended  upon  Mr.  Clark  in  his  last  illness.  Although 
it  contains  some  items  which  are  recorded  in  the  pre- 
ceding pages,  yet  I  cannot  do  better  than  insert  it  in 
the  language  of  the  doctor : 

"  Respected  Madam, — In  compliance  with  your  request  to  state 
what  occurred  in  my  attendance  upon  your  husband,  during  the 
lamentable  attack  which  terminated  his  earthly  labors,  I  ought  to 
premise,  that  probably  many  words  and  wishes  were  uttered  by 
the  deceased,  which  as  '  last  words,'  or  as  the  sentiments  of  one 
holding  his  station  of  influence  among  his  fellow-men,  were 
indeed  worthy  of  preservation,  but  which  the  lapse  of  time  has 
left  too  feebly  impressed  upon  my  mind  to  secure  the  necessary 
accuracy  in  tlieir  statement.    And  you  also  appreciate,  that  the 

17 


*t 


ji-jt 


JOHN    CLARK. 


'm^ 


incessant  attention  with  wliicli  it  was  necessary  for  nio  to  watch 
his  symptoms,  and  administer  medicine,  rendered  me  not  a  very 
close  observer  of  his  language,  except  as  it  might  address  me,  or 
serve  as  a  clew  to  the  progress  of  his  disease.  Therefore  many 
things,  in  which  I  was  not  personally  or  professionally  interested, 
no  doubt  escaped  me. 

"  On  the  9th  July,  1854,  your  son  called  me  to  his  father,  on 
account  of  an  attack  of  dysentery,  from  which  ho  was  partially 
recovering.  On  my  arrival  he  stated  the  particulars  concerning 
his  illness:  of  his  having  been  under  t-iC  care  of  Dr.  Smith,  of 
Chicago,  for  dysentery ;  of  his  leaving  the  city  very  reluctantly, 
at  the  urgent  request  of  his  friends — reluctantly,  on  account  of 
the  importance  of  his  duties  there.  But  he  conceded  that  it  was 
best  that  he  should,  for  a  few  days,  retire  to  the  bosom  of  his  family 
here.  He  informed  me  that  he  had  been  subject  to  these  attacks 
of  dysentery,  after  which  he  usually  lingered,  more  or  less,  with  a 
mucous  diarrhoea,  which  he  considered  to  be  his  present  condition. 

"'Now,  understand  me,  doctor,'  said  he,  'I  consider  the 
dysentery  to  be  cured;  but  I  am  now  suffering  my  usual 
sequel — a  very  slight  mucous  evacuation.  I  am  out  of  medicine, 
and  thinking  a  change  of  prescription  might  be  advisable,  I  pre- 
ferred to  have  you  call  and  examine  my  case.  Perhaps  I  might 
get  along  without  more  medicine,  but  I  cannot  affbrd  to  lose  time 
unnecessarily ;  and  so,  doctor,  I  want  you  to  cure  me  up,  so  that 
I  can  get  back  to  my  work,  in  Chicago,  next  Wednesday.  What 
do  you  say,  doctor,  can  I  return  to  Chicago  on  Wednesday  next  ?' 

"After  a  careful  grouping  of  his  symptoms,  I  saw  nothing 
specially  discouraging ;  and^  endeavored  to  clearly  penetrate  the 
case  in  reference  to  the  stealthiness  which  sometimes  marks  the 
approach  of  cholera.  I  therefore  expressed  the  necessity  of 
caution,  in  returning  to  Chicago  too  soon.  I  suggested  that,  in 
the  energy  with  which  I  supposed  he  devoted  himself  to  his 
calling,  he  might  not,  if  he  returned  so  soon,  give  suitable  con- 


ACCOUNT    OF    Dll.    BAllTLETT. 


259 


Q  to  watch 
not  a  very 
Iress  me,  or 
efove  many 
f  interesteil, 

19  father,  on 
was  partially 
^  concerning 
3r.  Smith,  of 
y  reluctantly, 
,n  account  of 
,ed  that  it  was 
tn  of  his  family 
0  these  attacks 
)  or  less,  with  a 
jsent  condition. 

i  consider  the 
ring  my  usual 
,ut  of  medicine, 
idvisahle,  I  pve- 
^erhaps  I  might 
brd  to  lose  time 
me  up,  so  that 
nesday.    What 
ednesdaynext?' 

I  saw  nothing 
ly  penetrate  the 
times  marks  the 
[he  necessity  of 
iggested  that,  in 
.  himself  to  his 
ive  suitable  con- 


sideration to  the  bodily  wear  whicli  sickness  had  imposed  upon 
him.  He  replied  by  quoting,  'What  thy  hand  findeth  to  do, 
do  it  with  thy  might ;'  and  again  expressed  the  desire  to  be  at 
Ills  post  as  soon  as  practicable. 

"I  called  again  in  the  afternoon,  and  found  him  with  every 
indication  of  true  convalescence :  in  no  pain ;  his  mind  clear,  and 
disposed  to  cheerful  conversation.  And  after  again  endeavoring 
to  satisfy  myself  that  there  was  no  danger  from  the  prevailing 
scourge,  and  giving  suitable  instructions,  I  left  him. 

"  In  a  somewhat  lengthy  conversation  which  I  had  with  Mr. 
Clark  during  this  day,  I  found  his  mind  stored  with  an  extensive 
and  varied  knowledge,  well  arranged  for  a  useful  and  active  life. 
And  I  was  especially  surprised  by  the  extent  and  accuracy  of 
his  observations  on  the  laws  of  life  and  health ;  which  I  noticed 
the  more,  because  I  liavo  thought  they  were  too  apt  to  be  over- 
looked and  despised  by  those  who  are  mainly  devoted  to  the 
spiritual  education  of  mankind. 

"  Monday,  July  10th,  I  called  in  the  morning,  and  found  Mr. 
Clark  improving,  lie  thought,  as  I  also  did,  that  he  would  soon 
be  off  the  sick  list ;  and  he  oguin  spoke  confidently  of  returning 
to  Chicago  by  the  time  specified.  Some  remarks,  however, 
about  himself,  awakened  my  apprehensions  of  the  possibility  that 
the  cholera  virus  might  still  be  lurking  in  his  system;  and  I 
questioned  him  so  closely  that  he  perceived  the  drift  of  my 
thoughts,  and  playfully  remarked: 

"'Don't  be  afraid  of  the  cholera,  doctor;  I  am  not  the  least 
afraid  of  having  it :  I  have  been  in  the  midst  of  more  cholera 
than  you  have,  and  know  all  about  it.  I  have  none  of  the 
symptoms  of  cholera ;  so  set  your  minJ  at  rest  on  that  score.' 

"My  mind  was  not,  however,  at  ease,  until  I  had  stayed 
by  him  several  hours,  and  watched  all  the  indications  that  could 
be  drawn  out;  and  especially  in  hope  to  see  the  character 
of  his  alvine  evacuations.    But  finding  nothing  to  justify  my 


mmi 


I"  :.f.'l!  ,-'  i! 


Mutiny. 


i|-   r 


\lf't 


UEV.    JUllN    CLAltK. 


onxiety  un  thii4  uccount,  I  (ulininiHtered  m  liis  ctiso  indicated,  and 
loft  liitn.  I  tliink  I  did  not  see  liiin  again  that  day ;  bnt  learned 
that  he  continued  to  improve,  and  slept  well  at  night,  without 
any  disturbance  from  the  bowels. 

"  Tuesday  morning  I  was  sent  for,  and  hnrried  to  h'm,  only 
to  find  an  attack  of  the  cholera  of  intense  severity.  At  about 
seven  o'clock  this  morning  he  experienced  an  urgent  tenesmus  and 
rumbling  in  the  bowels,  and  arose,  and  went  out.  lie  had  not 
returned  to  the  house  many  minutes  before  it  was  necessary 
to  retire  again.  On  both  occasions  there  were  excessive  watery 
evacuations,  which,  after  fourteen  or  sixteen  hours  of  complete 
quiet,  were  too  ominous  to  be  neglected.  On  my  arrival 
his  vomiting  was  also  very  frequent ;  yet,  from  a  survey  of 
all  the  circumstances,  I  believed  I  might,  with  the  Divine 
blessing,  yet  rescue  him.  I  therefore  did  not  name  his  disease 
to  any  one  at  that  time.  This  belief  seemed  to  be  justified ;  for, 
under  the  action  of  medicines  which  have  been  attended  with 
remarkable  success  in  such  cases,  at  half  past  eleven  o'clock 
A.  M.,  his  vomiting  and  purging  had  ceased.  A  little  past  noon  I 
discovered  premonitions  of  the  cramping  stage ;  and  though  to 
the  friends  '^resent  he  seemed  to  be  improving,  I  thought  he  was 
conscious  of  an  internal  change;  and  he  for  the  first  time  asked 
this  question : 

" '  Doctor,  what  do  you  call  my  disease  ?'  I  suppose  lie  saw  some 
hesitation  in  my  manner,  and  he  continued :  '  I  am  prepared  for 
any  announcement.  It  will  not  excite  me  at  all ;  not  in  the  least. 
I  am  prepared  to  go  whenever  I  am  called ;  tell  me ;  I  promise 
you  I  shall  be  calm.'  I  answered  his  question.  'Do  you  think,' 
said  he,  'that  I  can  recover?'  I  informed  him  that  probabilities 
were  against  him.  As  I  said  this,  he  turned  over  on  the  couch, 
and  said,  in  gentle  tones,  '  I  knew  it.  Thank  God,  I  am  pre- 
pared; my  work  is  done  sooner  than  I  expeclted.  "Henceforth 
there  is  laid  up  for  me  a  crown  of  righteousness.' " 


ACCOUNT    OP    DR.    BARTLETT. 


261 


"  For  Bevoral  minutos  after  this,  silcnco  rcignod  in  tho  liouso- 
liold,  whilo  lio  evidently  communed  wit. i  his  Maker  by  mental 
pmyer.  lie  then  took  hold  of  yonr  hand,  as  you  wore  reclining 
over  him,  and  convorsyd  with  you.  Then  turning  his  eyes  upon 
mo,  and  seizing  my  hand  very  warmly,  as  I  approached  him,  ho 
said:  • 

" '  I  hoped  to  be  soon  with  my  people  again,  but  God  wills 
otherwise ;  his  will  be  done.    I  have  nothing  to  fear.' 

"  lie  also  spoke  of  the  preciousness  of  religion,  and  passed 
pome  words  with  friends,  which  I  did  not  distinctly  hear,  or  am 
unable  to  recall. 

"  Mr.  Clark  called  for  his  son,  who  had,  by  my  advice,  retired 
for  a  little  rest ;  also  for  Mr.  George  Waterman,  who  was  sent 
fur,  and  soon  arrived.  He  desired  hia  son  to  write  to  some 
friends,  while  he  dictated. 

"  After  this  he  dictated  tho  substance  of  other  writings  to  Mr. 
"Waterman.  These  writings  occupied  perhaps  three  hours,  at  the 
close  of  whic'li  he  was  wearied,  but  not  exhausted.  He  then  set- 
tled into  a  quidt  state  for  half  an  hour,  when  a  warm,  copious 
perspiration  broke  out  upon  his  body,  such  as  I  have  seen  to  bo 
tho  precursor  of  recovery ;  and  from  this  circumstance  I  allowed 
myself  to  hope  that  his  disease  would  be  conquered. 

''At  this  time  he  again  conversed  in  short  sentences  with  his 
friends,  though  in  a  whisper.    He  said  to  me : 

"  '  Doctor,  I  don't  know  the  state  of  yoi;r  heart ;  but  let  me 
recommend  you  to  seek  Jesus.* 

"  Again,  a  little  later,  he  said :  '  I  am  safe  tl  ough  the  atoning 
blood  of  Christ.' 

"  It  was,  however,  with  great  effort  that  he  could  speak,  even 
in  whispers;  and  he  did  not  often  make  the  attempt.  Two  houre 
before  dissolution,  he  passed  into  a  state  of  partial  collapse,  from 
which  there  is  no  recovery.  He  was  conscious  of  his  state,  and 
whispered  his  knowledge  of  it,  and  without  doubt  retained  his 


m\i 


II 


m 


262 


LTFE    OP    REV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


BCiiHCA  to  tlio  InHt.  A  fow  iiiinutcH  befuro  lio  breathed  bis  last, 
lie  wliisporcd  \n  my  ear,  ns  I  placed  it  cIoho  to  bis  moutb,  '  It 
will  soon  bo  over;  but  mydearliedeoincr  willgowithmo  through 
the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death.' 

"In  conclusion,  niadain,  I  regret  the  mengeruess  of  my  account 
of  an  event  so  sodly  interesting  to  your  heart,  ond  hope  tbat 
from  your  own  memory,  and  from  the  recollection  of  the  friends 
I)resent,  you  may  collect  the  most  of  whot  transpired  during  tbnt 
solemn  scene  which  deprived  you  of  a  faithful  companion,  and 
the  public  of  an  earnest  Christian  laborer. 

"Respectfully  yours, 

"A.  R.  Babtlett. 
"  Aurora,  February  27, 1836." 

Tims  died  this  good  man,  so  suddenly  yet  safely, 
on  the  eleventh  day  of  July,  1854,  aged  fifty-seven 
years.  His  body  was  carried  to  tuo  grave  the  next 
day,  and  consigned  to  its  resting-place  in  the  Aurora 
Cemetery,  to  await  the  resurrection  of  the  just.  The 
funeral  services  were  attended  on  the  next  Sabbath, 
at  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  in  Aurora.  Tiie 
sermon  was  delivered  by  Rev.  J.  "W".  Agard,  to  a 
large  and  sympathizing  audience,  from  the  appro- 
priate words  of  the  Psalmist :  ''''Mark  the  perfect  man, 
and  hehold  the  upright,  for  the  end  of  that  man  is 
peaeeP  This  was  followed  by  an  address  by  Rev.  J. 
V.  Watson,  editor  of  the  Northwestern  Christian 
Advocate,  embracing  a  sketch  of  the  life  and  labors 
of  the  deceased. 


riTNERAI,    SERMON. 


268 


A  funeral  Bcrmoii  was  alHO  preached  in  the  Clark- 
street  Cliurcli,  of  which  tlio  deceased  was  pastor,  by 
liis  old  and  highly-esteemed  friend,  Kev.  J.  Sinclair, 
at  that  time  presiding  elder  of  Chicago  District,  fn»m 
2  Timothy  iv,  7,  8. 

Tliis  was  followed  by  an  address  from  Rev.  J.  V. 
AVatson,  who  gave  an  analysis  of  the  character  of 
Mr.  Clark.  Tlio  audience  was  large,  and  the  occasion 
one  of  intense  interest.  A  Church  in  mourning  for 
a  beloved  pastor  is  a  spectacle  which  has  few  paral- 
lels. Long  will  that  pastor  live  in  the  hearts  of  his 
people  I 

Tlio  nature  of  the  disease,  and  its  rapid  progress, 
precluded  much  which,  under  other  circumstances, 
would  have  rendered  the  death  scene  peculiarly  in- 
teresting. But  while  it  is  painfully  pleasant  to 
treasure  up  the  sayings  of  good  men,  uttered  in  view 
of  the  slow,  but  steady  approach  of  death ;  and  while 
such  words  may  be  useful  in  teaching  ns  how  to  die, 
they  are  not  indispensable,  even  to  the  comfort  and 
assurance  of  surviving  friends ;  and  the  case  before 
ns  needs  them  not  beyond  the  brief  ones  recorded. 
The  suddenness  of  this  death,  together  with  its  attend- 
ant evidences  of  the  readiness  of  the  departing  one, 
renders  it  eloquent  in  warning,  and  "  very  full  of 
comfort "  to  his  many  and  affectionate  friends. 


'\ 


I 


"  How  many  fall  as  sudden,  not  as  safe." 


■,  I  '!*r';.i 


'  i 


264 


LTPE    OP    REV.    JOTTN    OLABK. 


CHAPTER  XXL 


CONCLUDING    CHAPTER. 


Mr.  Clark's  porsomil  A  ppodrniipc  —  Mr.  Cliirk  «w  u  Friond  mul  roin- 
pdnlon — HIh  Piety  —  Mr.  Cliirk  a«  u  Piwtor  mul  Pri-oclier — An  a 
MlBsionnry  —  A«  a  PrcHidiiiK  KUlcr  —  As  a  iMnMatur — As  a  HuHbwnd 
nnd  Father — Conclusion. 

And  now,  reader,  wo  have  i  .lowed  John  Clark 
from  his  infancy  to  his  grave,  covering  a  period 
of  fiftynseven  years;  wo  have  seen  liim  in  child- 
hood, poor,  toiling,  but  cheerful;  wo  have  marked 
his  early  conviction  for  sin,  and  his  youtliful  de- 
votion to  God;  wo  have  traveled  with  him  from 
the  tan-yard  to  the  circuits,  stations,  and  districts, 
and  traced  his  course  as  the  red  man's  friend, 
across  rivers,  bays,  and  lakes;  we  luxve  measured 
some  of  his  long  journeys  through  forests,  ovei* 
prairies,  and  across  the  portages  which  lay  in  his 
course;  we  have  marked  the  progress  of  the  fatal 
disease,  and  lingered  round  his  dying  couch,  and 
listened  to  his  whispered  words  of  faith  and  hope ; 
wo  have  sympathized  with  his  weeping  charge  and 
his  desolated  family. 

It  now  remains  for  us  to  take  a  brief  survey  of 
the  man  in  his  various  relations  and  characteristics. 


ins    rKRSONAT,    APPKAUANCF. 


265 


In  his  j)ert<onal  apjyem'anre^  Mr.  (Murk  was  in- 
torestiiig  ami  striking.  Ilif*  lioight  wns  about  fivo 
foot  nine  or  ton  incliOH,  with  ample  brearltli  and 
fnllnoHs  of  chost;  hia  Hhouldors  were  broad,  and 
his  whole  form  erect  and  straight;  he  was  ncvtM* 
rorpulont,  but  always  full  and  round  in  nniscdo, 
indicating  great  Htrength  and  solidity. 

His  countenance  was  open  and  pleasant,  as  is 
seen  in  the  likeness  in  this  work,  and  which  is 
very  tnie  and  expressive.  In  this  we  see  a  fine 
mingling  of  firmness  and  gentleness,  of  courage  and 
kindness.  It  is  pleasant  to  look  into  those  niihl 
blue  eyes,  and  that  noble  forehead  indicat'^s  a  good 
intellectualiti/.  Indeed,  his  whole  countenance  shows 
a  grouping  of  those  qualities  which  wo  instinctively 
admire. 

A8  a  friend,  Mr.  Clark  was  true  and  faithful. 
None  ever  accused  him  of  betraying  the  confi- 
dence of  friendship,  or  of  the  absence  of  eidightcned 
and  tender  sympathy.  And  few  men  have  had  a 
larger  number  of  friends,  for  they  are  found  in  all 
the  regions  over  which  his  labors  extended.  Such 
was  the  power  of  his  genuine  friendliness,  that  he 
unconsciously  drew  to  himself  the  esteem  of  all 
classes  with  whom  he  associated,  from  the  refined 
and  polished  to  the  poor  and  untutored.  The  red 
men  of  the  Northwest  loved  and  revered  him,  and 
there  are  those  among  them  who  still  remember 


n 


2m 


lilFK    OK    UKV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


Iiitu  witli  v(»ry  Htron^  ufrcction.  Hit)  wero  not  tl»o 
moinentury  likings  of  n  cliildinh  fancy,  but  tlio  in- 
telligent tVietuIshipH  of  n  (Jlirititiun  man,  and  honce 
thoy  wero  stronj^  ivnd  nbidinpj. 

Ho  was  tlio  ploiwnnt  and  BpfroeftWe  companion, 
whose  society  was  enjoyed  with  true  relish.  While 
his  convereution  j^onorally  waw  instructive  and  prof- 
itable, it  was  yet  cheerful  and  lively,  and  some- 
times facetious.  lie  had  a  keen  sense  of  the  ludi- 
crous,  and  occasionally  contributed  to  the  innocent 
mirth  of  the  select  circle. 

Jfe  was  a  truly  devout  man^  though  lie  seldom 
spoke  of  his  own  personal  religious  state.  His 
whole  life  was  a  convincing  proof  of  his  uniform 
piety.  lie  was  mighty  in  prayer,  and  communed 
much  with  God,  suffering  no  ordinary  circumstance 
to  interfere  with  his  regular  devotions.  During 
hia  whole  course  there  was  great  stability  and  fixed- 
ness of  purpose  in  serving  the  Lord. 

Some  may  have  supposed  that  his  alleged  heresy, 
as  mentioned  in  a  fonner  chapter,  was  evidence  of 
a  low  state  of  grace,  a  limited  Christian  experience ; 
but,  perhaps,  there  is  a  secret  in  this  matter,  which, 
if  it  can  be  found,  will  repay  the  search.  It  will 
be  remembered  that  his  conversion  was  remarkably 
clear,  and  the  witness  of  the  Spirit  direct  and  con- 
vincing, especially  after  his  second  struggle  in 
prayer,   which   occurred   in   the  bark-mill.     From 


HIH    PIETY    AND    DKVOTrOK 


2«7 


ill.     From 


tlint  hour  hu  wuh  wholly  tiio  LonPH,  iih  Ih  ho(Mi  in 
nil  hid  litb,  ami  in  Iuh  poncot'iil  niid  rotiHdin^  ilonth. 
And  who  cnn  provo  thnt  ho  did  not  lovo  the  Lord 
with  all  hiH  huurt?  And  may  not  his  own  dcrp 
and  nnitonn  )>iuty  hnvo  lod  hini  to  ado])t  tho  Nonti- 
nient  referred  tt)?  TIub  is  certainly  more  charitaMo 
than  tiio  opposite  conclusion,  and  I  am  inclined  to 
think  it  is  much  more  probably  true. 

I  would  nnich  Hooner  take  the  oven  and  nscful 
tenor  of  a  minister's  life,  a8  evidoiice  of  deep  piety, 
than  the  more  declarations  of  his  lips.  When  I 
trace  the  course  of  n  preacher  of  the  (iospel  throu«?h 
thirty-four  consecutive  years,  and  always  find  him 
about  his  Master's  business,  his  spirit  ever  kind  and 
sweet;  when  I  find  him  chcerfidly  devoting  the 
most  of  those  years  to  the  hardest  and  mor.t  self- 
sacnficing  toils  to  which  a  minister  can  be  called, 
and  when  I  find  the  blessing  of  the  Lord  attending 
his  labors,  I  am  constrained  to  believe  that  he  is 
endowed  with  no  ordinary  degree  of  piety.  Tliese, 
rather  than  shibboleths,  I  regard  as  indubitable 
prool's. 

As  a  pastor,  he  was  excelled  by  few.  I  include 
in  this  idea  something  more  than  a  mere  religious 
visitor,  though  pastoral  visiting  is  an  important 
part  of  ministerial  duty.  In  this  ho  was  by  no 
means  deficient.  The  author  was  Mr.  Clark's 
neighbor  in  the  city  of  Albany,  N.  Y.,  in  1848 


I' 


268 


LIFE   OF    11E\.    JOHN   CLARK. 


h'-;l 


tl 


II' 


<N 


¥ 


■* 


and  1849.  Tbo  latter  was  a  cholera  year,  and 
when  most  of  the  ministers  took  leave  of  absence 
during  the  sickly  season,  he  was  cae  of  the  few 
who  remained  at  their  posts;  and  his  attention  to 
the  sick  and  suffering  in  his  own  charge,  and  often 
beyond  his  charge,  gave  evidence  of  his  faithful- 
ness in  duty,  and  his  sympathy  with  the  suffering. 

But  a  pastor  is  a  shepherd,  and  he  will  attend 
to  his  flock  according  to  their  wants  and  his  own 
faithfulness.  As  a  pastor,  then,  the  minister  has 
something  more  to  do  than  to  call  at  the  houses 
of  his  parishioners  at  stated  and  regular  intervals, 
that  he  may  converse  and  pray  with  them.  He 
must  go  after  the  straying,  correct  the  erring,  con- 
firm the  wavering,  strengthen  the  weak,  and  suc- 
cor the  tempted.  In  performing  this  work  ho  will 
sometimes  find  it  necessary  to  bring  the  wholesome 
rules  of  the  Church  to  bear  upon  delinquents  and 
offenders,  for  the  wise  shepherd  knows  that  diseases 
are  often  contagious,  and  that  it  is  better  to  remove 
the  incurably  sick  membera  from  the  flock,  than 
that  all  become  infected.  In  all  those  departments 
Mr.  Clark  was  faithful,  judicious,  and  kind. 

171  his  preaching,  it  has  already  been  remarked 
that  he  was  not  uniform.  He  sometimes  rose  far 
ab;yve  the  ordinary  level;  and  yet  there  were  times 
when  he  failed  to  meet  the  expectations  of  his  friends. 
Sonib  instances  of  his  extraordinary  pulpit  power  are 


CUAKACTEli    AS    A    rKEACllEli. 


269 


recorded  in  this  work,  and  others  have  come  to  the 
knowledge  of  the  writer  since  those  pages  were 
written.  Still,  there  were  times  when  he  api)cared 
to  labor  nnder  peculiar  embarrassment.  Tlie  writer 
once  heard  him  under  such  circumstances;  and 
though  the  sermon  was  w<;l'.  arranged,  and  tne 
subject  familiar,  yet  his  mind  labored  intensely, 
and  the  curient  of  thought  seemed  to  be  strangely 
obstructed.  In  the  early  and  latter  parts  of  his 
ministry  he  greatly  excelled.  Before  his  entrance 
into  the  Indian  mission  work,  he  was  regarded  as  a 
preacher  who  had  few  equals;  and  after  having 
retired  from  that  work  a  sufficient  length  of  time 
to  readjust  himself,  he  again  became  "an  eloquent 
man,  and  mighty  in  the  Scriptures." 

While  occupying  that  peculiar  field,  his  manner 
must,  of  necessity,  conform  to  the  nature  of  his 
work.  His  preaching  was  mostly  done  through  an 
interpreter;  and  his  style  must  be  adapted  to  the 
capacities  of  his  hearers.  Perhaps  those  of  us  who« 
have  had  no  experience  in  this  matter,  can  scarcely 
coij^cture  to  what  an  extent  such  a  state  of  things 
win  aifect  a  man's  public  addresses.  Some  time  was 
necessary  for  his  full  recovery  from  their  influence. 

For  the  missionary  worh^  Mr.  Clark  possessed 
several  very  eminent  qualifications.  His  vigorous 
frame,  which  in  health  scarcely  knew  weariness, 
was  an  essential  pre-requisite  to  the  work  in  tho 


.U-l 


270 


LIFE    OF     KEV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


f  :l 


bi 


■\i'  \;: 


lii:  P 


n|! 


I  ml 


\i 


■I  nil 


»♦' 


Indian  countr}'.  Ho  must  labor  with  lii8  hands 
to  prepare  himself  a  habitation,  and  perform  long 
journeys  through  the  forest,  or  in  a  frail  canoe  over 
the  rough  waters;  his  fare  must  be  coarse  and 
uninviting,  and  his  couch  the  hard  ground  or  the 
snow-bank. 

That  work  also  required  great  firmness  and  cour- 
age ;  for  he  had  not  only  to  deal  with  the  elements, 
and  to  brave  their  opposition,  but  to  establish  and 
sustain  ?chools  and  mibsions  in  places  where  the 
chiefs  were  hostile  to  such  enterprises.  To  overcome 
or  withstand  their  jealousy  and  hostility,  and  carry 
forward  the  great  work,  required  not  only  skill,  but 
firmness  and  courage.  These  were  qualities  which 
he  largely  possessed ;  and,  joined  as  they  were  with 
prudence  and  address,  they  were  successful. 

His  wisdom  and  caution  were  called  into  exercise  in 
the  mission-field.  His  views,  desires,  and  plans  were 
on  a  large  scale  ;  but  they  were  regulated  by  th'at  wis- 
dom which  never  forgot  the  state  of  the  treasury  nor 
the  stand-point  of  the  Church.  As  he  cast  his  eye 
over  the  vast  field,  his  soul  expanded ;  and  he  hoped 
to  see  the  united  fires  of  missionary  stations  sending 
out  their  light  from  the  tops  of  the  Rocky  Mountains. 
He  longed  for  the  establishment  of  schools,  which 
should  educate  converted  young  red  men,  and  send 
them  forth  by  hundreds,  all  over  that  wide  pagan 
land.    But  he  knew  that  the  Church  at  home  saw 


ADMINISTKATIVE    TALENT. 


271 


not  that  field  in  the  light  which  aided  his  vision; 
and  he  constrained  himself  to  wait,  yet  crying  to  the 
Head  of  the  Church,  "  O  Lord,  how  long  ?" 

He  loved  the  missionaiy  work ;  and  I  have  rcaeion 
to  know  that,  had  the  health  of  his  family  permitted, 
he  would  have  remained  during  other  yeai-s, 

"  Toiling  to  cultivate  Immanuel'8  land ;" 

and  had  his  services  been  continued,  and  the 
Indians  retained  their  lands,  there  would  have  been  a 
whole  people  civilized  and  Christianized  long  ago. 
As  it  was,  many  of  those  children  of  the  forest  were 
brought  to  the  Lord;  and  some  of  them  have  wel- 
comed their  spiritual  father  to  their  heavenly  home, 
and  othera  will  greet  him  there  in  due  time. 

As  a  presiding  elder  he  had  long  experience, 
having  traveled  Plattsburgh,  Chicago,  Mount  Morris, 
Rutersville,  Poultney,  Troy,  and  Albany  Districts. 
He  was  esteemed  by  his  preachers  as  an  able 
minister,  a  good  administrator,  and  a  faithful  friend. 
As  has  been  sec^  elsewhere,  he  was  well  qualified  to 
conduct  camp-meetings,  and  insure  their  success. 
His  devotion  to  the  interests  of  the  work  inspired 
both  ministers  and  people  with  the  spirit  of  piety  and 
labor ;  and  his  camp-meetings  were  generally  seasons 
of  great  interest  and  spiritual  profit. 

At  one  of  them,  held  in  the  north  part  of  Platts- 
burgh District,  the  rain  fell  almost  incessantly  after 


■■'• . 


■4 


272 


LlFi;    or    KEV.    JOHN    CLARK. 


^ 


(      i 


.d/ 


the  first  day ;  and  as  tho  soil  was  clayey,  the  mud  be- 
came deep  as  well  as  adhesive.  Large  quantities  of 
straw  were  procured  and  scattered  about  the  ground ; 
and  while  all  outward  things  were  calculated  to 
inspire  gloom  and  discontent,  the  presiding  elder,  by 
his  constant  cheerfulness  and  untiring  energy,  kept 
up  the  spirits  of  the  people  and  incited  them  to  labor 
in  behalf  of  souls.  About  one  hundred  were  con- 
verted at  that  meeting,  although  there  were  but 
two  or  three  sermons  <lelivered  from  the  stand 
during  its  whole  progress. 

In  the  bishop's  council  Mr.  Clark  evinced  his 
soundness  of  judgment  and  nice  discrimination.  He 
was  an  excellent  judge  of  men,  and  could  readily 
perceive  the  presence  or  absence  of  those  qualities 
which  must  determine  the  question  of  adaptation  to 
given  positions.  There  was  a  nobleness  and  generosity 
observable  in  his  spirit  and  conduct  in  the  stationing 
work.  His  soul  was  too  large  to  be  confined  within 
the  limits  of  his  district,  and  he  looked  over  the 
whole  work  with  impartiality  and  candor.  Those 
who  have  met  him  in  council,  will  remember  the  aid 
which  his  sagacity  has  afforded  to  his  perplexed  col- 
leagues when  they  could  see  no  light. 

As  a  legislator  he  was  trusted  and  honored  by  his 
brethren,  being  elected  to  represent  them  in  every 
General  Conference,  (except  in  1836,)  from  1832 
to   1852  inclusive.    In  1836  he  was  in  a  kind  of 


■*  ■', 


LEGISLATIVE    ABILITIES. 


273 


tiud  be- 
ities  of 
^ound ; 
ated   to 
Ider,  by 
?y,  l^ept 
to  labor 
ere  coii- 
ere  but 
le  stand 

iced  hi8 
on.  He 
L  readily 
I  qualities 
itation  to 
enerosity 

ationing 
5d  within 

over  the 
Those 

r  the  aid 

exed  col- 

id  by  his 
in  every 
■om  1832 
kind  of 


transition  state  between  the  New- York  and  Illinois 
Conferences ;  and  it  would  have  been  strange  if  he 
had  been  elected  by  either. 

In  the  highest  judicatory  of  the  Church  he  served 
with  fidelity  and  competence.  His  place  was  often 
on  the  most  important  committees,  and  his  attention 
to  business  \^as  direct  and  incessant.  He  was  an 
able  and  safe  legislator,  for  he  was  a  conservatwe 
progressive.  If  this  looks  like  a  paradox,  it  is  still 
true.  There  was  a  blending  of  the  two  elements, 
which  by  their  union  did  not  neutralize,  but  modify 
each  other.  It  was  not  the  mingling  of  the  acid  and 
the  alkali,  which  produces  a  mixture  both  tasteless 
and  useless,  but  a  union  of  caution  with  bravery; 
the  one  stimulating  to  action,  and  the  other  directing 
that  action  in  the  right  course,  and  restraining  it 
within  proper  limits.  It  is  believed  that  he  never 
failed  to  favor  every  onward  movement  which  was 
safe,  nor  ever  advocated  any  measure  which  tended 
to  evil  or  peril. 

,  His  do7nestio  character  claims  a  moment's  notice. 
The  peculiar  relations  which  he  sustained  to  the 
Ohurch,  with  their  corresponding  duties,  kept  him 
much  from  home;  and  this  may  have  led  some  to 
8>ippose  that  he  was  wanting  in  domestic  qualities 
and  sympathies.  But  he  loved  a  qniet  home,  in  the 
bosom  of  a  loving  family,  as  well  as  other  men. 
When   absent   from    home, 


'''i, 


'o^m- 


u 


274 


LIFE    OF    REV.   JOHN    CLARK. 


.tl>:1 


assigned  him,  bis  mind  turned  toward  his  little 
family,  and  his  letters  breathed  the  spirit  of  afifection, 
while  his  prayers  were  fervently  offered  to  their 
common  Father  in  behalf  of  "the  loved  ones  at 
home." 

Mi's.  Clark  had  long  been  an  invalid,  suffering 
greatly  from  a  severe  nervous  affection ;  and  it  had 
been  the  desire  and  study  of  her  husband  to  secure 
that  quiet  and  rest  which  the  case  seemed  to  demand. 
It  was  his  custom  to  consult  her  in  all  matters  re- 
lating to  their  temporal  condition,  and  to  adjust 
them  in  accordance  with  her  desires.  Before  con- 
senting to  acquiesce  in  the  desire  of  the  brethren 
of  the  Kock  River  Conference,  to  become  a  member 
of  that  body,  he  laid  the  case  before  Mrs.  Clark, 
assuring  her  that  he  would  take  no  step  in  advance 
of  her  consent  and  choice.  In  all  his  home  inter- 
course, I  am  assured  that  he  was  actuated  by  that 
spirit  of  kindness  and  affection  which  rendered  him 
so  estimable  in  the  view  of  all  his  intimate  friends. 

As  a  father^  he  was  all  that  could  be  desired. 
"When  his  little  daughters  were  taken  away,  the 
one  at  Plattsburgh,  and  the  other  at  Sault  Ste. 
Marie,  he  felt  and  wept  like  a  father,  and  to  his 
surviving  son  he  was  the  faithful  and  tender  parent 
to  the  last.  Tliat  son,  in  a  letter  to  the  author. 
Bays : 

"  My  duties,  which  are  unusually  taxing,  and  to  •"' 


DOMESTIC    CHAltACTER. 


276 


whoso  faithful  perforraanco  the  dying  advice  and 
sacred  memory  of  my  dear  father  are  summoning 
me,  have  not  allowed  me  time  to  write  as  I  would 
desire;  and  even  now  I  have  but  a  moment  that 
I  can  call  my  own,  so  that  I  cannot  speak  as  I 
would  like  to  of  the  feelings  I  experienced  at  my 
father's  death,  and  of  some  of  the  thoughts  and 
recollections  which  are  often,  in  consequence  of  it, 
awakened  in  my  mind."  >    .. 

"I  wish  I  could  now  tell  you  what  I  think  of 
my  dear  father^  as  it  respects  all  the  elements 
which  made  up  his  character.  During  the  latter 
years  of  his  life  the  most  perfect  confidence  existed 
between  us,  and  there  was  no  man  in  whose  society 
I  half  so  much  delighted.  He  admitted  me  to  all 
his  plans  and  purposes,  and  shared  with  me  many 
of  his  inmost  feelings.  Few  can  imagine  how  I 
felt  when  I  saw  that  he  was  gone  I" 

But  had  he  no  faults?  Doubtless  he  had,  for 
he  was  a  man;  but  they  were  very  few  compared 
with  his  many  excellences.  And  if  the  writer  and 
reader  should  unite  in  an  effort  to  discover  and 
drag  them  to  light,  it  is  believed  that  neither  their 
number  nor  magnitude  would  repay  the  search. 

Some  men,  who  began  their  career  under  cir- 
cumstances similar  to  those  which  surrounded  him, 
have  excelled  in  some  things.  One  became  a  riper 
scholar,  anotlier  amassed  immense  wealth,  and  yet 


■ill 

1 


«' 


276 


LIFE    OP    REV.    JOHN  CLARK. 


!<    .  ' 


another  led  powerful  and  victorious  armies  to  "  the 
field  of  blood,"  and  eacli  has  received  his  reward ; 
but  small  is  the  number  of  those  who  have  toiled 
more  bravely,  or  endured  more  patiently,  or  lived 
more  circumspectly,  or  blessed  the  race  more  ex- 
tensively than  John  Clark.  - 

All  who  knew  him  will  subscribe  to  the  re- 
mark of  a  clergyman  of  another  denomination  who 
formed  his  acquaintance, 


»  '(, 


1 , :  !^^ 


"  He  was  nature's  nobleman." 


1**.  V 


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Price,  large  12mo.,  $1  50;  8vo.,  $2  00. 

The  Temporal  Power  of  the  Pope. 

The  Temporal  Power  of  the  Pope :  containing  tho  Speech  of  the  Hon. 
Jospjdi  R.  Chandler,  delivered  in  tho  House  of  Representatives  of  the 
United  States,  January  11,  1B55.  With  Nine  Letters,  stating  tho  pre- 
vailing Roman  (Catholic  Theory  in  the  Language  of  Papal  Writers. 
Uy  John  M'Clintock,  1).  1).    12mo.,  pp.  151.     Price,  43  cents. 

Lust  winter  lion.  Joseph  R.  Chandler,  a  Catholic,  and  Roprosentatlro  In  Con- 
gress ft-om  Pennsylvania,  being  hard  prosse<I  by  antl-Uomanist  influencus,  mmlo 
a  speech,  In  which  ho  denied  the  political  supremacy  of  the  pope.  lu  doing 
this,  ho  sliowed  lilmself  |>o8so8<iod  of  tho  cunning  of  a  Jesuit,  or  tho  M-enkness 
of  a  neophyte.    Dr.  M'Clintock,  in  a  scries  of  nine  letters,  has  thoroiiu'lily  cx- 

fiosed  the  weakness  and  sophistry  of  Mr.  Chandler's  speech.    It  is  a  volunio  for 
ntoUl^cnt  readers— none  others  wili  relish  tlio  learning  and  the  nieo  dlgRrlmiiia- 
tlon  wliicli  pervade  tho  work. — NoriAoni  Christian  Advocatf,  Aulmru,  jV.  )', 

A  series  of  letters  to  the  Hon.  J.  R.  Clmndlor,  stating  tho  provallln),'  Komnn 
Catliollo  tlM''>.-y  iu  the  languoKO  of  papal  writers,  forms  tlio  substanc-  of  this 
volume.  'i'\u-y  wore  prcporod  in  roforonce  to  tho  speech  of  Mr.  Chandler,  dellv- 
eted  at  tl  o  lust  k<  ,sion  of  Conf^ress,  and  from  the  position  and  character  of  tho 
writer,  as  well  a"  trom  his  modu  of  treating  the  subject,  ore  eminently  dosorv 
Ingof  pub' i ;  utt(>r lion. — iV.  Y,  Trilmne, 

Carlton  v;  I'lil  lips.  No.  200  Mulberry -street,  New- York,  have  Just  Issued  a 
neat  duodccinu)  rolume  of  one  hundred  and  flfty-four  pages,  with  tho  foregoing 
title.  It  needs  not  that  wo  say  the  work  Is  a  most  timely  and  masteily  pro* 
ductlon. —  WMtttrn  Christian  Advocate. 


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Bishop  Baker  on  the  Discipline. 

A  Guide-Book  in  the  Administration  of  the  Discipline  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church.    By  Osmok  G.  Baker,  D.  D.    12mo.,  pp.  253.    Price, 

GU  cents. 

We  arc  glad  this  long-expected  and  much-desired  book  baa  at  length  made  Its  ap- 
pearanco.  Since  the  first  announcement  that  such  a  book  waa  forthcoming,  our 
ministry  have  looked  for  It  with  no  little  degree  of  Impatience  as  a  sure  aid  to 
their  right  and  bonefleial  administration  of  Discipline.  The  title  of  this  work,  and 
the  source  f^om  whence  it  was  ftirnished,  warranted  such  expectation.  After  a 
CHroful  poronl  of  tho  volume,  we  have  no  hesitancy  in  assertlns  that  the  most  san- 
guine of  tbOM  expectants  will  more  than  realize  all  they  hoped  for.  We  have  hero 
strikingproof  of  that  careful^atient  Investigation  which  precedes  all  the  decisions 
and  protluctions  of  Bishop  Baker.  Our  author  has  evidently  made  our  "  excel- 
lent oook  of  Disoipline"  a  subject  of  long  and  earnest  study.  For  many  yoam 
he  has  been  making  note  of  the  decisions  given  in  annual  and  General  Confer- 
ences by  his  able  predecessors  in  office,  on  dl  difficult  questions  pertaining  to  our 
denominational  administration.  This  result  of  bis  labors  Is  an  invaluable  boon 
to  onr  ministry.  No  Methodist  minister  can  well  aiford  to  be  withont  it  The 
possession  of  this  volume  will  save  our.^'t^tior  preachers  a  great  amount  of  study, 
much  perplexity,  and  many  troublesome  errors.  The  clearness,  conciseness,  and 
evident  correctness  of  this  pruductlou  are  marvels  of  mentallnveetigation,  acumen, 
and  diseemment — Zioti'a  I/erald. 

The  Young  Man  Advised. 

The  Young  Man  Advised :  Illustrations  and  Confirmations  of  some  of 
the  Chief  Historical  Facts  of  the  Bible.  By  E.  0.  Havbn,  D.  D.  12mo., 
pp.  829.    Price,  76  cents. 

Let  no  one  suppose  that  we  have  hero  a  book  of  commonplace  counsels  to  the 
young.  The  writer  has  seized  upon  some  of  the  chief  historical  facts  of  the  Bible, 
from  which  he  has  drawn  illustrations,  which  he  commends  to  the  study  and  in- 
struction of  his  readers,  and  thus  in  a  new  and  most  striking  form  has  conveyed 
great  practical  truths  which  can  hardly  fail  to  make  a  deep  Impressiun  upon  the 
youthful  mind.  He  displays  no  slight  degree  of  research  in  his  own  studies,  and 
the  whole  is  clothed  with  such  historical  beauty  as  will  charm  while  bis  words 
will  instruct  the  student —^ew-  York  ObMrver. 

This  book  differs  trcm  all  others  we  have  ever  seen  addressed  to  this  class  of 
readers.  It  plods  not  o'er  the  old  beaten  track  of  the  numerous  volumes  bearing 
similar  titles.  Its  design  is  to  fortify  the  young  against  the  assaults  of  infidelity, 
never  perhaps  more  generally,  more  craftily,  or  more  insidiously  made  than  now. 
In  prosecuting  this  design  it  presents  the  greatest  leading  fiicts  of  the  Bible,  con- 
firming them  by  the  most  conclusive  evidence,  historical  and  philosophical, 
-•roving  bevond  all  controversy  the  superhuman,  the  divine  origin  of  the  Word 
f  Ood.  This  volume  has  none  of  that  cold,  stiff,  dry  argument  which  has  char- 
acterized similar  productions,  repelling  the  young  from  their  perusal.  Dr. 
Haven's  method  of  defending  the  ''book  of  books"  has  a  novelty  about  It  whioh 
must  hold  the  attention  of  every  young  man  who  commences  the  perusal  of 
bis  work.  His  style  and  diction  ire  of  such  a  character  as  invest  a  powerfully 
argumentative  treatise  with  all  the  charms  of  a  "well-told  tale."  If  this  book 
does  not  sell  extensively,  and  do  immense  good,  the  author  is  not  at  firalt  We 
commend  it  to  parents  who  would  save  their  sons  f^om  moral  wreck.  Let  pas* 
tors  Join  issue  with  parents  in  scattering  this  potent  antagonist  to  Uie  infldell^ 
of  the  times.    ZB!fK>—Zion'a  Herald,     ■»*--• 


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Arthur  in  America. 

AddresseB  delivered  in  New- York  bv  Rev.  Wm.  Arthur,  A.  M.  With 
a  Biographical  Sketch  of  the  Autuor.  Also,  the  Address  of  Bev. 
Dr.  Adams  at  the  Broad  wav  Tabernacle.  *'  To  {^t,  to  keep,  to  give." 
With  a  portrait.  Edited  by  W.  P.  Stbickland,  D.  D.  Carlton  4 
Phillips.    Price  65  cents. 

A  most  Intoresting  and  Instructive  volume.  The  claims  of  syatmuttle  benevo- 
lence are  forcibly  urgad.  The  wants  of  Ireland  are  set  fortli  with  great  eloquence. 
The  speech  of  Dr.  Adams  is  rofrosblng,  emanating  as  It  does  flrom  an  eminent 
divine  in  one  Church  advocating  a  great  evangelical  enterprise  in  another  com- 
munion.—<6buM«r»  diristian  Advocate. 

Revised  History  of  the  Bible  Society. 

History  of  the  American  Bible  Society.  Revised  and  brought  down 
to  the  present  time.  8vo.,  500  pages.  By  Wiluah  P.  Stuokiand, 
D.  D.    Harper  &  Brothers. 

Strickland's  Biblical  Literature. 

A  Manual  of  Biblical  Literature. 
404  pages. 

The  work  is  divided  into  nine  parts,  treating  severally  of  Biblical  Philology, 
Biblical  Criticism,  Biblical  Exet^csls,  Biblical  Analysis,  Biblical  Aroh»ology, 
Biblical  Ethnography,  Biblical  History,  Biblical  Chronology,  and  Biblical  Oeogra- 
pby.  This  enumeration  will  suffice  to  show  the  extent  of  the  range  of  topics 
embraced  in  this  volume.  Of  course  they  are  treated  summarily ;  but  the  very 
design  of  the  author  was  to  prepare  a  compendious  manual,  and  he  has  suc- 
ceeded QxaeWeMy.— Methodist  Qwirterly  Beview. 

Christianity  Demonstrated 

By  Facts  drawn  from  History,  Prophecy,  and  Miracles-    Price  $1. 

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pages.    Price  $1. 


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This  highly  popnljir  work,  embracing  a  history  of  Methodism  in  the  Great  West 
fk-om  Its  IntroduccTon  toward  the  close  of  the  eighteenth  century,  with  a  descrip- 
tion of  the  toils  and  sacrifices  of  the  early  pioneers,  by  one  who  was  himself  an 
actor  in  the  scenes,  and  containing  graphic  sketches  of  many  of  the  lives  of 
the  most  prominent  In  the  field  of  Itinerant  labor,  with  many  Incidents  of 
thrilling  Interest  In  relation  to  backwoods  life,  has  already,  within  a  space  of 
less  than  two  years,  reached  a  sale  of  seventeen  thousand.  Whoever  wants  a 
reliable  history  of  life  and  manners  In  the  West  will  be  interested  in  reading  this 
book. 

Light  of  the  Temple.  ^ 

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Smdth's  Sacred  Annals. 

Saorrd  Annals  :  or,  Reseorchea  into  the  History  and  Religion  of  Man* 
kind.  By  Qrorgb  Smith,  F.  S.  A.,  M.  R.  S.  L.,  etc.  In  throe  large 
volume!.  Each  volume  ia  complete  in  itself,  and  may  he  had  scpa* 
rately. 

8vo.  Prioe 17  00 

Vol.  I.  The  Patriarchal  Aoe:  or,  tho  History  and  Religion  of  Mankind, 
fy-om  tho  Creation  to  tho  Doath  of  Isaac:  deduced  from  tho  WrIllngHof 
Moses,  and  other  Inspired  Authors ;  and  Illustrated  by  copious  References 
to  the  Ancient  Records,  Traditions,  and  Mythology  of  the  Heathen  World. 

Vol.  II.  The  Hebhrw  Pkople:  or,  tho  History  and  Religion  of  the  Israel- 
ites, from  tho  Urlaiu  of  tho  Nation  to  the  Tlmo  of  Christ :  deduced  fToni 
tho  Writings  of  Moses,  and  other  Inspired  Authors;  and  illustrated  by 
copious  Uclbrunces  to  tho  Ancient  Records,  Traditions,  and  Mythology 
of  the  Heathen  World. 

Vol.  III.  The  Qemtile  Nations:  or.  tho  History  and  Religion  of  the  Egypt- 
ians, Assyrians,  Babylonians,  Mcdes,  Per°!ans,  Oreeka,  and  Romans;  col- 
lected flrom  Ancient  Authors  and  Holy  Scripture,  and  Including  tho  recent 
Discoveries  in  Egyptian,  Persian,  and  Assyrian  Inscriptions:  forming  a 
complete  Connexion  of  Sacred  and  Profane  History,  and  showing  the  Ful- 
filment of  Sacred  Prophecy. 

Mr.  Smith  haa,  in  his  Sacred  Annals,  made  a  valuable  contribution  to  the 
literature  of  the  Christian  evidences,  as  well  aa  of  ancient  history.  .  .  . 
The  third  volume  presents  as  complete  and  dear  a  view  of  tho  religious 
systems  of  the  great  Gentile  nations  of  antiquity  as  can  bo  prepared  from 
existing  records.— (Xotulon)  Literary  Qcuutte, 

Mr.  Smith  has  achieved  a  great  work.  .  .  .  We  praise  tho  book  as  an  ox- 
ceedlngly  important  addition  to  the  class  of  literature  to  which  it  belongs. 
It  supplies  a  great  want,  and  suppllrs  it  Ailly. — {London)  Chriitian  Wit- 
nut. 

StrioMand^ii  jBihliedl  Literature. 

A  Manual  of  Bibucal  Literatube.  By  Wquam  P.  Stbiok- 
LAND,  D.  D. 

12mo.,  pp.  404.   Mtudin. tO  80 

The  work  is  divided  into  nine  parts,  treating  severally  of  Biblical  Philology, 
Biblical  Criticism,  Biblical  Exegesis,  Biblical  Analysis,  Biblical  Archaeology. 
Biblical  Ethnography.  Biblical  History,  Biblical  Chronology,  and  Biblical 
Oeography.  This  enumeration  will  suffice  to  show  tho  extent  of  tho  range 
of  topics  embraced  in  this  volume.  Of  course  they  are  treated  summarily : 
but  the  very  des'gn  of  the  author  was  to  prepare  a  compendious  manual, 
and  he  has  sujccedcd  excellently.— JfcModttt  Quarterly  Bevkio, 

Memoir  of  JRev.  S.  B.  Bangs. 

The  Youno  Minister  :  or,  Memoirs  and  Remains  of  Stephen  Beekman 
Bangs,  of  the  New-York  East  Conference.  By  W.  H.  N.  Maobudbb, 
M.  A.    With  a  Portrait. 

12mo.,  pp.  888.   Miulin $0  70 

Thero  are  some  classes  who  may  derive  peculiar  profit  from  a  study  of  this 
book.  Young  ministers  of  the  gospel  may  deduce  (Tom  it  the  elements  of  a 
happy  and  prosperous  professional  career.  Students  may  be  led  to  inquire 
closely  into  their  duty,  and  may  be  prepared  conscientiously  to  decide 
whether  or  not  Ood  is  calling  them  to  the  responsible  work  of  the  Chris- 
tian ministry.  Parents  may  see  the  efibct  of  a  careAiI  and  rigid  and  truly 
kind  training  of  their  children.  And  finally,  all  may  be  stimulated  to  » 
holy  life  by  the  enei:getio  and  eloquent  discourses  that  follow.— iiev.  E.  O. 


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Townley's  Illustrations  of  Biblical  Literature. 

Illustrations  of  Biblical  Literature :  exhibiting  the  History  and  Fote 
of  the  Bncred  Writings  from  the  earliest  Period  to  the  present  Cen- 
tury; including  Biographical  Notices  of  Translators  and  otltcr  emi- 
nent Biblical  Scholars.    By  Jaheb  TowMiiEY,  U.  1). 

8vo.,  2  voli.,  pp.  1206.   Sheep $3  00 

Tin*  ieork  forma  part  of  the  courte  ofttudy  adopted  by  the  lait  General  Con- 
ference. 

Tlieio  ample  volumes  comprise  a  rich  fund  of  instructive  and  pleasing  infor- 
mation on  the  subject  of  sacred  biograptiy.  They  have  been  compiled 
from  a  groat  variety  of  publications,  many  of  them  inscceiifiible  to  the 
generality  of  readers,  and  some  of  thorn  of  extreme  rarity.  .  .  .  The  industry 
and  accuracy  of  Dr.  Townley  will  entitle  his  volumes  to  the  approbation 
of  the  critic  and  tlie  patronage  of  the  public.  They  afford  a  more  compre- 
hensive view  of  the  progress  of  Biblical  translations,  and  of  the  literal  y  and 
ecclesiastical  history  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  than  Is  to  b«  found  in  any 
other  woric. — {London)  Eclectic  Revievi. 

Dr.  Townley's  Illustrations  are  essential  to  every  good  library ;  and  to  all 
pei'Nons  who  are  desirous  to  attain  an  adequate  and  a  correct  acquaint- 
ance with  the  literature  and  the  learned  men  of  times  gone  by. — Chrirtian 
Intelligencer. 

Fhineral  Discourse  on  Mrs.  Garrettson. 

Life  Inexplicable,  except  as  a  Probation.  A  Disconrse  delivered  in  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Chnrch,  Rhinebeck,  New-York,  July  16th,  1849, 
at  the  Funeral  of  Mrs.  Catherine  Garrettson.   By  Stefhek  Ch:.iir,  D.  D. 

18mo.,  pp.64.  Paper  covers $0  10 

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It  is  characterized  by  the  ivell-known  ability  of  the  preacher.  The  discus- 
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portraiture  of  Mrs.  Garrettson  one  of  the  noblest  we  have  met  with.— 
Zion't  Herald. 

Young  on  the  World's  Conversion. 

Bnggestions  for  the  Conversion  of  the  World,  respectfnlly  submitted  to 
the  Christian  Church.    By  Rev.  Robeet  Youno. 

18mo.,  pp.  146.   Mndin $0  80 

Mr.  Young's  object  is  to  promote  the  exert<ons  of  every  Christian  in  his  own 
sphere ;  and  he  has  ably  shown  that  there  is  a  loud  call  for  such  exer- 
tions, and  sure  warrant  for  expecting  success.  This  volume,  though  small, 
is  truly  valuable,  and  cannot  fail  to  oe  of  service  to  every  candid  reader.— 
Weileyan  Magazine. 

CcBsar,  (Julius,)  Life  of. 

Life  of  Julius  Caesar. 

Umo.,  pp.  180.  MiilUn $G  ;.: 

A  better  life  of  Julius  Casar  we  have  never  read.  It  is  drawn  from  the 
best  authorities,  Greek  and  Latin ;  the  execution  is  highly  creditable  to  the 
author,  and  it  is  written  throughout  on  Christian  principles.  The  conclud- 
ing chapter  (on  Csesar's  character)  is  an  admirable  summing  up,  and  affords 
convincing  proof  that  sketches  of  this  description  may  be  so  written  as  to 
furnish  l^reside  reading  of  a  really  useful  as  well  as  interesting  character. 


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BioQraphical  Sketches. 

Skktchcb  or  Emimekt  Mkthodut  MnrisTXBS.  With  Portraitt  and 
other  lUuitrations.    Edited  by  Jomr  M'Cuktock,  D.  D. 

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The  akotohei  are  twelve  in  number :  JoHv  Wbslet,  by  the  Itev.  O.  T.  Dob> 
bin.  LL.  D.,  of  Hull  College,  England.  William  M'Keiidbbb,  by  Kov. 
B.  8t.  J.  Fry.  John  Emort,  by  John  M'Clintock,  D.  D.  Robbrt  R.  Rob- 
BRTs.  by  J.  Floy,  D.  D.  Elijah  Heddino,  by  the  Rev.  M.  L.  Boudder,  A.  M. 
John  Fletohbb,  by  the  Rev.  J.  D.  Ilagany,  A.  M.  Febbbobm  Oabbbtt- 
BON.  WilbubFibk,  byRov.  ProfemorO.  H.TIffliny,  A.M.  Noah  Lbvinob, 
by  D.  W.  Clark,  D.  D.  Btephbn  Olin,  by  J.  Floy,  D.  D.  Geoboe  Fickebino, 
and  JABB9S  BcDTiNO,  D.  D.,  hy  Rev.  Abel  Btevena.  An  engraved  )x>rtrait 
accompanlefl  each  eketch.  The  llluntratlonBare:  Epworlh  Church;  Ep* 
worth  Rectory;  Charter-House;  OldFoundery;  First  Mothodtst  Church  in 
Ohio;  MethodlBt  Book  Concern;  Madeley  Church;  the  Houae  in  which 
Fletcher  waa  born ;  Pickering's  Mansion ;  Wealeyan  Theological  Institute, 
Richmond,  England ;  ita  Entrance  Hall  and  Principal  Staircase ;  and  a  fine 
engraving  of  the  New-England  Conference,  assembled  in  the  old  Bromfleld- 
Btreet  Church,  Boston. 

The  Lamp  cmd  the  Lcmt&m. 

Thc  Lamp  and  thb  Lantbiui:  or.  Light  for  the  Tent  and  the  Trav- 
eller.    By  James  Hauiltok,  D.  D. 

ISmo.,  pp.  208.  Modin. $0  28 

A  lerieB  of  eloquent  lectures  and  essays,  mostly  hortatory,  in  Dr.  Hamilton'! 
best  vein,  on  subjects  connected  with  the  reading  and  propagation  of  the 
Bible. 

Switzerlcmd. 

SWITZEBLAND ;  HISTORICAL  AHD  DsSOBIFmn. 

18ino.,  pp.  214.  XtuOin $0  84 

Part  I.  Bitt4)rieal:  The  Dim  Distance— Seeds  of  Nationality— Heroism  and 
Independence— The  Refbrmation— Wars  of  Religion— A  Long  Peace — 
Overthrow  and  Reatoration.    Part  II.  IkteripHve:  Nature— Art— Society. 

Zives  of  the  Popes. 

The  Lives  of  the  Popes.  From  A.  D.  100  to  A.  D.  18S8.  From  the 
London  Edition. 

12mo.,  pp.  806.  Xndin $0  80 

We  take  pleasure  in  placing  the  work  before  American  readers  in  a  more  con* 
venient  form  than  that  of  its  first  publication,  and  trust  that  it  will  be 
extensively  perused  by  young  and  old  throughout  our  land.  No  nation 
ought  to  be  better  acquainted  than  ours  with  the  history  of  the  Popes,  and 
the  system  of  religion  of  which  they  are  acknowledged  heads ;  for  none  has 
more  to  fear  from  the  movements  of  Romanists. 

There  la  no  work  extant,  to  our  knowledge,  that  covers  the  same  ground.  It 
gives  in  compendioua  ibrm  the  history  of  the  Papacy  from  fta  very  be- 
ginning down  to  the  pontificate  of  Piua  IX.— a  kind  of  information  which 
the  American  people  stand  much  in  need  of  Just  novr.—MethodUt  (iuarterlg 
Review. 

The  work  is  well  adapted  to  popular  reading,  and  supplies  a  prevtois  lack  in 
the  current  literature  of  the  age. — Cliritlian  Witne$i. 


PUBLISHED  BY  CARLTON  ft   PORTER, 
800  Knlberry-itreet,  Hew-Tork. 

■——■■I    ■»  ■■  ■— ■  ■■—.,,       ■,■■■,.,     -■     I-  ■■■^-— .  ■■  ■  ,m 

Father  Beeves. 

Fathsr  Rebtbb,  tuk  Mbthodiit  Clam-lkadbr  :  a  Brief  Acconnt  of 
Mr.  William  Reevea,  thirty-four  Years  a  Clus-leader  in  the  Wea* 
leyan  Methodist  Society,  Lambeth,  England. 

lliiio.,  pp.  160.  Miudiii $018 

We  sincerely  thank  Mr.  Corderoy  for  this  little  Tolume,  which  cannot  ftill 
of  tieing  perused  with  great  advantage  as  an  incentive  to  strict  i)uno*.tt- 
allty,  never-failing  diligence,  eminent  devotedness,  and  fbrvent  Christian 
ceal.— (Xondon)  8,  S.  Haehen'  MagaMin*. 

The  narrative  presents  one  of  the  most  interesting  developments  of  the 
honest  man,  fearing  Qod  and  working  righteou'-nesH,  that  for  a  long  time 
has  come  befbre  us :  a  fine  specimen  of  the  best  order  of  Methodism  in  its 
best  period.— dHtftan  Witntu. 

Let  "Father  Reeves"  pass  along  through  all  our  congregations;  he  will 
leave  a  blessing  wherever  he  goes.  It  is  Just  the  boolc  to  stir  up  the  Church. 
A  hundred  thousand  volumes  should  be  scattered  at  once.— JSeo.  A.  Stnau. 

The  Philosophy  of  Fa/ith. 

PUXLTSOFHT  AMD  PrAOTIC^  09  FAITH.     By  LeWIS  P.  OUM. 

18mo.,  pp.  858.  MuUn $0  65 

Vkvs  I.  A  General  View  of  Faith— Pure,  Simple,  or  Intellectual  Faith- 
Practical,  Relying,  or  Saving  Faith— The  Unity  of  Faith— A  Living  Faith 
and  a  Dead  Faith— Unbelief  the  Native  Condition  of  the  Mind— Walk  by 
Faith— The  Three  Antagonisms  of  Faith— Faith  and  Works— Increase  and 
Diminution  of  Faith. 

Pabt  II.  Ancient  and  Modem  Faith  compared— Faith  of  Nations— Con- 
grogational  Faith— Faith  of  the  Christian  Ministry— Prayer  and  Faith- 
Faith  of  the  Cloister— Faith  of  Active  Llfb— Faith  of  the  I({norant— Faith 
of  the  Young— Faith  in  Prosperity— Fa<th  in  Adversit;— Foitli  in  Lifu  and 
in  Death. 

This  book  belongs  to  a  class  that  has  boon  rare  of  late  years.  It  is  a  calm, 
thoughtful,  yet  uncontroversial  survey  of  a  groat  Christian  doctrine  in  ita 
bearings  upon  theology  in  general,  and  upon  the  Christian  life  in  practiee. 
We  hope  it  may  find  many  readers. — Mtthoditt  dttarterly  Beview. 

Bible  in  Many  Tongues. 

TuE  Bible  ik  Many  Tokques.    Revised  by  Daniel  P.  Kidder. 


18mo.,  pp.  216.  Mvdin. 


$0  84 

A  biography,  so  to  speak,  of  the  Bible ;  and  a  history  of  ita  translations  and 
versions  in  anciont  and  modem  times.  It  gives,  in  brief,  a  large  amount 
of  religious  and  historical  information.  It  is  divided  into  four  chapters, 
treating  respectively  of  the  biography  of  books  in  general,  and  of  the  Bible 
in  particular- the  Bible  in  the  ancient  East  and  at  Rome— the  Bible  at  the 
Retbrmation— the  Bible  and  Christian  missions. 


2 he  Converted  Infidel. 

Life  and  Experience  of  a  Coktbrtsd  Ivfidel. 
of  the  New-Jersey  Conference. 

18mo,,  pp.  274.  Price 


By  JOHK  SOARLBT, 


$0  40 

Wo  commend  this  autobiography  as  worthy  of  a  place  among  the  multi- 
tude of  sketches  of  a  similar  sort  which  Methodism  has  produced.  It  is 
specially  adapted,  IVom  its  simple  narrative,  its  pleasant  vein  of  anecdotes 
and  its'  sound  mora)  and  doctrinal  spirit,  to  attract  and  benefit  young 
readers. 


BOOKS  PUBLISHED  BY  CARLTON  &  PORTER, 
200  Kiilbarry'ftreet,  V«w-Tork. 


Smith's  Sacred  Annals. 

Saored  Annals ;  or,  ReMarohcs  Into  the  Hiitorr  and  Bdlgloii  of  Mmi- 
kind.    Svoli. 

Tkit  work  formt  part  of  the  oowm  of  liud]/  adopkd  bjf  tkt  htt  Omerat 

Cot^trtnoe. 
VoTi.  I.— Thk  Patriarobai.  Aob;  or,  the  History  sad  Religion  of 
Mankind  from  the  Creation  to  the  Death  of  Isaac:  deduced  from 
the  Writings  of  Moses,  and  other  Inspired  Authors,  and  lllufitrated 
hr  Copious  Referenoes  to  the  Andent  Records,  Traditions,  and  My- 
toology  of  the  Heathen  World.    By  Okobob  Smith,  F.  S.  A.,  &o.,  Ac. 

'     StAiPP'SSS*   llMtP $900 

lstrahalf«iU;(ui«latBatUbru7 

Ub^,) 2  50 

This  Is  an  elaborate  woric.  The  author  has  grappled  fearlessly  with  every  diffi- 
cult question  which  belonn  to  that  depsjtment  of  theological  inquiry.  Ho 
prefers  the  chronology  of  the  Septuagint  to  that  of  our  Hebrew  Bibles,  and 
In  this  he  Is  sustained  by  the  Judgment  of  many  eminent  scholars.  Tliere 
has  no  work  been  Issued  In  a  long  time  from  our  Book  Room  of  so  much 
real  worth.— iVorMem  Chriitian  AimKaU. 

A  book  suitable  both  for  the  learned  and  the  unlearned ;  Indeed,  It  Is  untfn* 
with  regard  to  the  Importance  and  compass  of  the  subjects  which  it  em- 
braces,  as  well  as  with  re^d  to  the  spirit  in  which  they  are  treated.— 
Wtsltyan  JUetKodist  Mogannt, 

This  is  unquestionably  the  most  valuable  work  that  has  boen  for  a  long  time 
issued  from  the  Niethodlst  press.  The  copy  before  us — paper,  printing, 
binding— is  a  credit  to  the  publishers. — Soulhtm  ChriUian  Advocate. 

The  information  which  the  author  has  condensed  from  various  sources  Is  pre- 
sented in  a  truly  religious,  but  not  sectarian,  style  and  manner ;  and  we 
have  boen  much  gratlflod  by  the  union  of  piety  and  sober  judgment  winch 
he  has  evinced  in  the  application  of  history  and  science  to  the  coiifirmatiou 
of  tl>o  Mosaic  narrative. — Chwrek-of- England  Quarterly  Reoiew. 

The  work  is  a  monument  of  patience,  Industry,  and  research. — Biblical  Rev. 

The  announcement  that  such  subjects  have  been  ably  and  thoroui^hly  dis 
cussed  by  a  man  of  Mr.  Smith's  erudition,  candour,  critical  skill,  Scrip- 
tural knowledge,  and  Integrity,  will  induce  many  of  our  readers  to  purchase 
the  volume,  and  peruse  it  attentively.    We  can  assure  them  that  they 
will  be  amply  repaid.— VWt  Briton. 

The  work  supplies  a  desideratum  in  sacred  literature.  We  can  stronglv  recom- 
mend it  to  all  who  are  desirous  of  thoroughly  undeistanding  the  history  of 
the  Bible. — Irish  Ecclesiastical  Journal. 

The  present  work  is  one  of  great  merit,  not  only  in  a  literary  point  of  view, 
but  also  as  an  exposition  of  many  passages  of  human  history  which  are 
exceedingly  obscure,  and  upon  which  much  learned  speculation  has  bceu 
expended.-  christian  Advocate  and  Journal. 

Mr.  Smith  has  Ktir ceeded  in  presenting  to  the  Bible  student  a  volume  which 
it  would  be  dilCcult  to  surpass  in  interest  and  value. — Evangelical  Chris' 
tenddftn. 

Miller's  German  Missions. 

Origin  and  Progress  of  the  German  Missions  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church.  Including  an  Account  of  the  Christian  Experience  of  some 
of  the  Converts  from  Popery  and  Infidelity,  as  furnished  by  themselves. 
By  Rev.  Adah  Miller,  German  Missionary. 

18mo.,  pp.  849.   Kiulin  f  0  80 


BOOKS  PUBLISHED  BY  CARLTON  ft  PORTER, 
800  Mvlberry-itreet,  Ntw-Tork. 


Hodgson's  Polity  of  Methodism. 

The  EooIesiMtlcal  Polity  of  Methodism  defended :  a  Rcftitatlon  of  eeii«Iii 
Objection!  to  the  HyHtcm  of  Itintironcy  in  the  Methodiii  EpiMoiwl 
Church.    By  F.  UoDosoir,  D.  D. 

ISma,  pp.  182.   MuUn  tOSO 

'*  Polity  of  MethodUm"  is  the  title  of  a  amall  Tolume,  fh>in  the  pen  of  Dr. 
Hodgson,  In  defence  of  the  itinerant  system  of  Methodism  egslnst  the 
olijoctions  chiefly  of  Congregatioiialists.  It  U  written  with  his  usual  acute- 
iioHH  and  force,  and  demonstratively  proves  that  changes  In  the  ministry,  as 
involved  in  our  itinerant  syHtcm,  are  attended  with  fewer  practical  dlfll- 
culties  than  Congregationalism  or  Presbyterianism.  The  work  Is  worthy  of 
a  wide  circulation.  We  shall  give  ample  extracts  from  It  hereafter.— lion's 
Herald, 

Wesley's  {John)  Journal. 

The  Joamal  of  the  Rev.  John  Wesley :  beinff  a  Record  of  hit  TraTelt  imd 
Labours  fi:om  1735  to  1790,  a  Period  of  ufty-fiTe  Years. 

8vo.,  2  ToLi.,  pp.  1488.   8he«p 18  20 

Theie  volumea  form  the  most  valuable  history  of  early  Methodism. 

The  *'  Journals  "  of  the  founder  of  Methodism  are  an  uncommon  treasury  of 
sound  learning  and  just  criticism,  and  of  records  concerning  the  gracious 
Influence  of  God  on  ministerial  labours  unprecedented  and  unparallelod.- 
I)R.  Adam  Cuabkb. 

Crane's  Essay  on  Dancing. 

An  Essay  on  Dancing.  By  Rev.  J.  TownletCravb,  of  the  New-Jersey 
Conference. 

18mo.,  pp.180.   Kniliii tO  80 

The  author  of  this  little  book  deserves  the  thanks  of  the  public.  His  work  Is 
a  serviceable  antidote  for  an  evil  which  tlireatens  much  injury  to  the 
Church,  and  to  all  good  society.  Danciii)^  is  a  nuisance,  and  is  so  esteemed 
by  all  reflecting  minds. — Nortlum  Christian  Advocate. 


Barr's  Bible  Index  and  Dictionary. 

A  Complete  Index  and  Concise  Uictionaiy  of  the  Holy  Bible :  in  which 
the  various  Persons,  Places,  and  Subjects  mentioned  in  it  are  accu- 
rately refeiTed  to,  and  difficult  Words  briefly  explained.  Designed 
to  facilitate  the-  Study  of  the  Sacred  Scriptures.  Revised  from  the 
third  Glasgow  edition.  By  the  Rev.  John  BAnn.  To  which  is  added, 
a  Chronology  of  the  Holy  Bible,  or  an  Account  of  the  most  Renutfk- 
able  Passages  in  the  Books  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments,  pointing 
to  the  time  wherein  they  happened,  and  to  the  Placet  of  Scripture 
wherein  they  are  recorded. 

12mo.,  pp.210.   Sheep $0  45 

This  work  Is  Intended  not  only  to  assist  unlearned  readers  in  understanding 

tlie  language  of  the  Bible,  but  chiefly  in  readily  turning  to  the  places  where 

every  topic  of  information  comprised  in  it  occurs. 
Truly  a  choice  companion  for  tho  Biblical  student.    No  one  who  has  aver 

read  it  will  readily  consent  to  dispense  with  it.— CAriihoii  Advoeatt  mU 

Journal. 


BOOKS  PUBLISHED  BY  CARLTON  &  PORTER, 
900  Xvlberry-ftroet,  New-Tork. 


» «  ^  > » 


' 


Womnn  of  the  Bible. 

Tbe  Wonea  of  th«  Bible.    liy  Chakuis  Adami. 

Umo.,pp.8M.   Moilln 10  «0 

Jt^r.  Oharlei  Adftini  liu  vAmtA  U>  writo  %  Mlwr,  tUthfUl  book,  kMpHg  hU 
ova  upon  rocorded  flicU  and  Incidonta,  Mid  rMinlnlDg  all  undiM  iImumcI 
th«  Imkglualloo.— CAHiltoM  AdvvoaU  and  Jiimnul. 

la  thii  book,  the  author  hM  lought  to  contemplate  woman  preoliely  aa  tbe 
lDii)lrod  pen  haa  reproMntod  Iter,  m  Ikr  a«  iho  haa  ariaen  to  view  in  the 
divine  hiatory  ofOoa'a  providential  and  gradeuadlepeniationa  to  mankind, 
and  ao  Air  aa  that  iwn  may  have  akotohed  more  didactloaily  her  tme  poat% 
Uon  and  dutlea.— JnlrodiMlfon. 

Peeps  at  Nature. 

Peepe  at  Nature;  or,  God'i  Work  and  Man'b  Wanto.  With  Illua- 
trationi. 

ISiBO., pp. 596.   MotUn $060 

It  la  an  intoroatlng  production  fur  the  tender  mind,  bealdea  being  a  beautlfiil 
book  fur  a  gill.  1  lovo  auch  booka.  They  bring  the  child'a  mliid  la  aweet 
and  reverent  communing*  with  nature'a  Ood.— Rkv.  F.  0.  UxsaAkD. 

A  very  fine  Bunday-aetaool  book.  These  oonveraationa  on  natural  acionoe 
oontain  all  the  rudlmenta  of  natural  theulogy,  and  yet  In  a  atylo  ao  clear 
and  ao  aimple,  aa  to  captivate  the  Juvonllo  mind.— AbrMem  ChHitian  Adv. 

Tho  whole  have  tbo  aamo  deaign,  to  lUrnlah  intereating  information  on 
natural  aoienoo  to  tbe  young.— Xonden  ChM't  Cvmptmim, 

Roland  Rand.  ; 

Roland  Rand ;  or,  God'a  Poor.  By  Mas.  0.  M.  Edwabos.  With  Illaa- 
trations. 

ISmo.,  pp.  181.   XasUn $0  16 

We  have  road  It  with  great  profit  idd  delight,  and  wo  think  that  he  who 
can  read  it  without  foeling  pron.;)ted  to  nobler  action,  and  without 
moiatened  eyea,  baa  but  little  generoua  emotion  or  philanthropy.— /(Mio<l 
ClviiUam  Advocate. 

Tbe  deaign  of  thia  narrative  la  to  ahow  the  triumph  of  virtue  over  vIoeL  and 
the  neoeaalty  of  aoUve,  energetio  eflbrt  on  the  pwt  of  tbe  diadplaa  of  Ohrlat. 
»    —AitOwr't  hr^fiiot. 

Ancient  Egypt. 
Ancient  Egypt :  its  Monomenti  and  Hlitory. 

llBio., pp. 814.  Kudin $084 

To  the  youthftil  atndent  of  aaored  history  thia  work  will  aflbrd  a  key  to  many 
of  thoae  beautlAil  flguratlTO  exprfssiona  used  by  inspired  writora  In  the 
Old  Toatament.  The  manners  and  cuatoma  of  tho  ancient  Egyptinua  are 
ably  delineated,  and  cannot  flail  to  affbrd  profit  and  instruction.  It  ...  . 
will  make  an  agreeable  oompanion  during  an  idle  hour,  or  a  leisure  mo* 
meat— CAr£i(ian  Advoeatt  and  JoumdL 

An  account  of  one  of  the  most  ancient  and  Intereating  countries  of  tho  world. 
It  ftumisbes  a  topographical  description  of  Egypt, ...  its  history,  ospecially 
aa  connected  with  the  Scriptures;  .  .  .  and  illustratioua  of  the  Oible. 
derived  firom  the  whole  history.—  fiondon  Tract  ttagoMinn, 


4 


.fr>r; 


